Page 189 - Design Thinking C11

Ecosystems also offer valuable lessons for design.
For instance, a forest is a perfect example of
a closed-loop system, where every element is
recycled and nothing goes to waste. This concept
has inspired the idea of circular economies, where
products are designed to be reused, repaired,
and recycled, minimizing waste and promoting
sustainability.

Biomimicry in Action
Biomimicry teaches us that many of the answers to our design challenges already exist in nature. From
the aerodynamic shape of a bird to the efficient water collection system of a desert beetle, nature offers
countless examples of ingenuity and resourcefulness. By observing these natural solutions and applying them
to human-made designs, we can create products and systems that are more sustainable, efficient, and in
harmony with the environment.
Next time you look around, consider the designs found in nature—each one has evolved with purpose,
balancing form and function in ways that we can learn from and apply to our own creations.

21 st #Technology Literacy
Century
Watch the following videos Skills #Critical Thinking
l What is product Design? [Animated], Product design requirements - https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=JNzvLWC2cGQ

l The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps - https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=iMtXqTmfta0&t=142s
l 5 amazing biomimicry examples providing real sustainability solutions |
Architecture Building Energy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FZ9Ryx5zAk
After watching the videos answer the following questions:
l What is the purpose of a good product design?

l Which example of biomimicry did you like best?

l Define circular economy in your own words.

One example of biomimicry in the Indian context is the Lotus Temple in New Delhi.
Although not strictly biomimicry in terms of functional design, the Lotus Temple is a
beautiful instance of bio-inspired architecture. It draws inspiration from the lotus flower,
which is a symbol of purity in Indian culture. The petals of the temple are arranged in a
way that mimics the blooming of a lotus, creating a sense of peace and harmony.
Another example is the Chennai Central Railway Station, which uses elements inspired by natural
structures to allow for natural light and ventilation, similar to how termite mounds function to keep a
stable internal environment.

Fundamentals of Product Design
187