What are the best ways to incorporate biodiversity into industrial design?

1 What is biodiversity-based design?

Biodiversity-based design is an approach to industrial design that considers biodiversity as a source of inspiration, information, and innovation. This approach works to create solutions that respect, support, and enhance biodiversity, rather than deplete, degrade, or disrupt it. Biodiversity-based design can be used on multiple scales, from individual products and materials to systems and services to landscapes and regions. Biomimicry is one of the main principles of this design, which involves learning from nature's forms, functions, and strategies to solve human challenges. Additionally, biophilia is another key element of this design process, which focuses on designing for human-nature connection and well-being. Circular economy and ecosystem services are also important components of biodiversity-based design; the former focuses on resource efficiency and waste reduction while the latter focuses on the benefits that nature provides to people.

2 Why is biodiversity important for industrial design?

Biodiversity is important for industrial design for several reasons. First, biodiversity is a source of value and opportunity for industrial designers. It offers a rich and diverse pool of ideas, materials, and processes that can inspire and inform innovative and sustainable solutions. It also provides essential services and functions that support human life and activities, such as food, fiber, medicine, and energy. By incorporating biodiversity into industrial design, designers can create value for themselves, their clients, and society.

Second, biodiversity is a stakeholder and a responsibility for industrial designers. Industrial design can have significant impacts on biodiversity, both directly and indirectly, through the extraction, production, consumption, and disposal of products, services, and systems. These impacts can affect the quality and availability of natural resources, the health and resilience of ecosystems, and the livelihoods and well-being of people who depend on them. By incorporating biodiversity into industrial design, designers can reduce their ecological footprint, mitigate their risks, and enhance their reputation.

Third, biodiversity is a challenge and a driver for industrial design. Biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats from human activities, such as habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change. These threats pose serious risks and uncertainties for human development and well-being, as well as for the survival of many species and ecosystems. By incorporating biodiversity into industrial design, designers can contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and to the adaptation and resilience of human and natural systems.

3 How to incorporate biodiversity into industrial design?

Incorporating biodiversity into industrial design depends on the context, objectives, and scope of the project. However, there are some general steps and guidelines that can help designers. To begin, you should define the problem and opportunity by identifying needs and desires of users, clients, and stakeholders, as well as the environmental and social impacts of the project. Consider how biodiversity can be relevant to the problem and opportunity. Research and observe nature's diversity, patterns, and processes, as well as existing and potential interactions between human and natural systems. Generate ideas that incorporate biodiversity into the design solution using techniques such as brainstorming, sketching, modelling, and simulation. Evaluate the ideas based on criteria of feasibility, desirability, and sustainability. Finally, execute the design solution and monitor its performance on biodiversity as well as users, clients, and stakeholders. Collect feedback data to improve and optimize the design solution.

4 What are some examples of biodiversity-based design?

Biodiversity-based design can be found in many sectors and domains, such as architecture, fashion, furniture, packaging, transportation, and health. Examples of this type of design include The Eden Project, a complex of biomes that house plants from different climates and regions; the Mushroom Packaging, a packaging material made from agricultural waste and mycelium; the Shinkansen Bullet Train, a high-speed train that reduces noise and air resistance; and the EpiPen Trainer, a device that teaches people how to use an EpiPen. The Eden Project is designed with a geodesic structure to minimize the use of materials and energy. The Mushroom Packaging is biodegradable, compostable, and renewable. The Shinkansen Bullet Train is faster, quieter, and more efficient than its predecessors. The EpiPen Trainer is designed with a shape and texture resembling honeycomb which symbolizes nature's medicine and healing. It is also easy to use, durable, and reusable.

5 What are the benefits of biodiversity-based design?

Biodiversity-based design can bring multiple benefits to industrial designers, their clients, and society. For instance, it can stimulate creativity and innovation by providing new sources of inspiration, information, and solutions. Additionally, it can support sustainability by reducing environmental impacts and increasing social benefits. Furthermore, it can improve resilience by adapting to changing conditions and contribute to biodiversity conservation by creating awareness among users, clients, and stakeholders.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?