Keywords

design, engineering education, technology, biomimicry

Abstract

Scientific discoveries are a driver for advancing our technological world (ITEA/ITEEA; 2000/2002/2007). As more knowledge is acquired through scientific inquiry, people can better design and develop technological inventions and innovations (Knowles, Kelley, & Hurd, 2016). In turn, these novel technologies can aid in making new scientific discoveries, thus driving an ongoing cycle of technological advancement. However, in the process of designing and advancing our technological world, people can turn to the study of life and its phenomena to inspire and inform their designs. Nature is functional as well as beautiful. As we study the phenomena or functions of living organisms within their environments, we can often find resolutions to some of the most challenging design problems. Therefore, design inspirations can truly be found by simply looking outside the window.

Original Publication Citation

Yoshikawa, E., Strimel, G. J., & Bartholomew, S. R. (2017). Designing the Technological World through Biomimicry. Children’s Technology & Engineering, 21(4), 18–22.