**3. Generally applicable goals for bio-inspired design**

This section presents an analysis of the likelihood of satisfaction of selected goals with the use of the five methods for bio-inspired design, retrieved from literature and presented in the previous section. Five general goals are proposed that are deemed to encompass many of the requirements pertaining to design projects for which inspiration from nature is

From the observation of natural phenomena on a macro scale and / or a micro level, a potential solution to apply is sought to transfer to a human problem.

The components or systems involved in the phenomenon in question are identified in order to outline the biological solution in functional notation.

From the analysis of the biological solution in schematic notation, the fundamental principle of the solution is extracted.

In this case, reframing forces designers to think in terms of how humans might view the usefulness of the biological function being achieved.

Whereas search in the biological domain includes search through some finite space of documented biological solutions, the search may include defining new problems (this is much different than the solution search step in the problem-driven processes).

By analogy with the definition of the solution in schematic notation, the problem is outlined similarly. The aim is thus to establish a parallel between the systems and components of the biological solution and the problem.

Once the solution principle is established, it is transformed into a working principle of the technological concept that is needed. This activity will culminate in the embodiment of a bio-inspired solution of a technological product or system.

Table 5. Bio-solution in search of a problem method (adapted from Helms et al., 2009).

For the method presented in Table 4, the process of problem definition and searching for biological solutions is supported by elucidative techniques, suggestions and practical examples. The method presented in Table 5 supports an iterative formulation of the bio-

The application of bionic principles in a design project can be accomplished by following any of two opposing directions: finding a solution to a problem in nature, or looking for a problem for which a solution has been found in nature. The former approach starts with the identification of a problem (human applications, such as developing or improving products or services) or the need of a project, followed by looking for inspiration from nature or an analogy to foster a solution to the problem (a bionic solution proposal). This approach is well suited to designers seeking inspiration for the development of a particular product. The other approach is based on the observation of nature and its structures in order to collect useful information (bionic inspiration based solution) for human applications (design

This section presents an analysis of the likelihood of satisfaction of selected goals with the use of the five methods for bio-inspired design, retrieved from literature and presented in the previous section. Five general goals are proposed that are deemed to encompass many of the requirements pertaining to design projects for which inspiration from nature is

Phase Description

1. Biological solution identification

2. Define the biological solution

3. Principle extraction

4. Reframe the solution

> 5. Problem search

> 6. Problem definition

7. Principle application

inspired design principle.

problems to be sought).

**3. Generally applicable goals for bio-inspired design** 

sought. The goals were selected based on their perceived level of importance and their perceived ubiquitous relevance across design projects, albeit translated into a number of requirements, specific to the problems at hand. Communication effectiveness, form optimization, multiple requirements satisfaction, organization effectiveness and paradigm innovation for improved functional performance are the goals considered.

Effectiveness of communication depends on the sharing of a language that may be based on a code, gestures, or on signal that is appropriate to the activity and context. For effective communication to accrue it is necessary that the message is clearly delivered and received in a timely fashion, without noise, and that it is relevant to the situation or event that is ongoing.

Optimizing the shape of an object or structure can result directly from the balanced satisfaction (with concessions on both sides - trade-offs) of several key requirements, such as the reduction of material and, or, size, or the satisfaction of greater stability, or reduced drag, depending on the targeted objectives. It is not always possible to achieve an optimal configuration, with maximization of all properties due to inherent conflicts that they sometimes impart (e.g. contradiction between low weight and high strength or high volume or stability). Thus, optimization requires that the configuration reached is the one that best addresses the contradictions and conflicts between the desired properties.

Nature is rife with effective solutions in order to enable, in a limited space, a system to perform various tasks or fulfil several functions. Compliance with multiple requirements reflects the achievement of several key points that are inherent to the problem at hand, aiming for viability and profitability of a small number of structures and elements that are to be used in performing more than one function. This simultaneous satisfaction opens the way for consideration of new objectives to add value and profitability to the designed product or system. Compliance with various targets, carried out by a limited set of features, structures or entities implies streamlining for functional efficiency, which will result in resource savings.

The effectiveness of organization depends on the coordination of multiple structures (which also includes communication) for the performance of activities with the need of differentiation. The coordination of multiple entities in joint activity may lead to more effective results than the performance of the activity separately by each entity, such as that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". An example of excellent coordination and effectiveness of the resulting organization can be inferred from observation of the natural system comprised of a pack of wolves. The group can hunt animals larger than the wolf, while a lone wolf may only hunt smaller animals or of a scale similar to his. The organization of the roles of each element within the pack is a pre-condition for achieving this result.

Finally, the fifth goal considered consists in achieving change in the conventional paradigm used to implement a feature, replacing it with an innovative paradigm. The latter may be proposed based on the observation of structures, behaviours and, or, processes of nature that enable improved performance of the function or feature. The features can be characterized by transformation of physical state, state association or state hierarchy, to name a few. This goal is deemed to represent one of the most commonly sought goals by designers inclined to use a bionic approach.

#### **3.1 Likelihood of achieving the goals selected by using bio-inspired methods**

Considering the five goals presented, the five methods under focus were analysed in terms of their perceived support offered to designers making use of them towards the satisfaction

Biologically Inspired Design: Methods and Validation 109

it is only implicit in the consideration of the analysis of ecosystems and natural social conditions. For the other goals at hand, this method proves to be applicable to support their satisfaction if the target is form optimization (especially given the nature of this iterative method, which favours systematic optimization) or innovation paradigm with regard to performance features. No support is perceived to attain the goal of communication

> Form optimization

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings

Table 6. Analysis of perceived support provided by the five bio-inspired design methods

The bio-inspired design method shows gaps in the support offered to designers if the goal is to achieve optimal form, since the focus in this method is set on function. In some design processes supported by the procedures inherent to this method, the search for a biologically inspired solution to perform a given function could lead to considerations of form. However, the method does not provide procedures for optimization and does not explicitly consider form, or shape. The method is also deemed applicable in a satisfactory manner to problems where the targeted goal is either paradigm innovation for improved functional performance, or to satisfy multiple requirements, or a combination of both. However, it is not applicable to support the pursuance of the goals of effectiveness of either

Goals sought

Multiple requirements satisfaction

Not applicable

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings Organization effectiveness

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable with shortcomings

Applicable Not applicable Applicable

Applicable Applicable

Applicable Not

Paradigm innovation for improved functional performance

Applicable

Applicable

applicable

effectiveness.

Bio-inspired design methods

Bio-mimicry (Junior et al., 2002)

Spiral design (Biomimicry Inst., 2007)

Bio-inspired design (Helms et al., 2009)

Aalborg (Colombo, 2007)

Bio-solution seeks problem (Helms et al., 2009)

Communication effectiveness

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

communication or organization.

selected in attaining five fundamental design goals.

Not Applicable Applicable

of each goal. In what concerns the effectiveness of organization, a method oriented from the solution to the problem (Aalborg) is considered applicable to support the satisfaction of this goal, demonstrating that there are a few gaps remaining in order to lead to the full satisfaction of this goal. None of the problem-oriented methods analyzed is considered fully adequate to achieve this goal.

With regard to satisfying multiple requirements, methods oriented from the solution to the problem show, from the analysis, gaps in support to achieve this goal. The methods providing guidance in implementing bionic projects in the contrary direction of analysis, are very heterogeneous. While the method of bio-mimicry offers no support for the pursuit of this goal, in the opposite extreme, with considerable support, is the method of bio-inspired design.

When considering the goal of form optimization, one is faced with a relatively homogeneous landscape, with the methods only offering partial support to attain this goal. The exception of the method of spiral design is highlighted, as it is considered significantly applicable in order to achieve this purpose (this method provides guidance in following the direction from problem to solution).

In what concerns the innovation of paradigm for improved functional performance, all analyzed methods provide satisfactory guidelines which can support the achievement of this purpose. This demonstrates that the primary approach that has been recommended for bionic design centres on the functionality. Moreover, except for individual cases, the remaining goals have been given a minor importance. Although the Aalborg and biomimicry method ratings were similar (except for organizational effectiveness), the steps of the latter are more detailed than the ones of the former, and there is a descriptive complementarity between both. The need to integrate validation activities in the bioinspired design processes is emphasized, as only a few of the methods (the spiral design and Aalborg design methods) entail some evaluation and iteration. The development and testing of improved methods, providing broad support to pursuing a large scope of design goals, with support for validation of the quality of results attained, is hence necessary. The results of the overall analysis are presented in Table 6.

The bio-mimicry design method is only deemed "applicable with shortcomings" with regard to attaining the goals of optimizing form and improving effectiveness of organization. For the first goal, the assessment derives from the absence of iteration in order to pursue optimization (observing the morphological structure is what is suggested in the method that may provide limited support to pursuing this goal). For the second goal, the assessment takes into account that the method supports no direct account of organizational aspects, but only does that indirectly through structural analysis. The evaluation also results in suggesting the applicability of the method to support the pursuance of the goal of paradigm innovation for increased functional performance, and on the other hand, enables suggesting its non-applicability if the goal is to achieve satisfaction of multiple requirements and communication effectiveness.

The spiral design method was granted the rating of "Applicable with shortcomings" with respect to the goal of satisfying multiple requirements. In this method, satisfaction of multiple requirements may take place according to their explanation in the initial specification, if natural models demonstrating the reunion of the functions and, or, qualities sought are analysed. However, the method does not explicitly consider a way to guide the quest to satisfy multiple requirements. The goal of organizational effectiveness receives the same evaluation, as the aspect of organization is not considered directly in this method, but

of each goal. In what concerns the effectiveness of organization, a method oriented from the solution to the problem (Aalborg) is considered applicable to support the satisfaction of this goal, demonstrating that there are a few gaps remaining in order to lead to the full satisfaction of this goal. None of the problem-oriented methods analyzed is considered fully

With regard to satisfying multiple requirements, methods oriented from the solution to the problem show, from the analysis, gaps in support to achieve this goal. The methods providing guidance in implementing bionic projects in the contrary direction of analysis, are very heterogeneous. While the method of bio-mimicry offers no support for the pursuit of this goal, in the opposite extreme, with considerable support, is the method of bio-inspired

When considering the goal of form optimization, one is faced with a relatively homogeneous landscape, with the methods only offering partial support to attain this goal. The exception of the method of spiral design is highlighted, as it is considered significantly applicable in order to achieve this purpose (this method provides guidance in following the

In what concerns the innovation of paradigm for improved functional performance, all analyzed methods provide satisfactory guidelines which can support the achievement of this purpose. This demonstrates that the primary approach that has been recommended for bionic design centres on the functionality. Moreover, except for individual cases, the remaining goals have been given a minor importance. Although the Aalborg and biomimicry method ratings were similar (except for organizational effectiveness), the steps of the latter are more detailed than the ones of the former, and there is a descriptive complementarity between both. The need to integrate validation activities in the bioinspired design processes is emphasized, as only a few of the methods (the spiral design and Aalborg design methods) entail some evaluation and iteration. The development and testing of improved methods, providing broad support to pursuing a large scope of design goals, with support for validation of the quality of results attained, is hence necessary. The results

The bio-mimicry design method is only deemed "applicable with shortcomings" with regard to attaining the goals of optimizing form and improving effectiveness of organization. For the first goal, the assessment derives from the absence of iteration in order to pursue optimization (observing the morphological structure is what is suggested in the method that may provide limited support to pursuing this goal). For the second goal, the assessment takes into account that the method supports no direct account of organizational aspects, but only does that indirectly through structural analysis. The evaluation also results in suggesting the applicability of the method to support the pursuance of the goal of paradigm innovation for increased functional performance, and on the other hand, enables suggesting its non-applicability if the goal is to achieve satisfaction of multiple requirements and

The spiral design method was granted the rating of "Applicable with shortcomings" with respect to the goal of satisfying multiple requirements. In this method, satisfaction of multiple requirements may take place according to their explanation in the initial specification, if natural models demonstrating the reunion of the functions and, or, qualities sought are analysed. However, the method does not explicitly consider a way to guide the quest to satisfy multiple requirements. The goal of organizational effectiveness receives the same evaluation, as the aspect of organization is not considered directly in this method, but

adequate to achieve this goal.

direction from problem to solution).

of the overall analysis are presented in Table 6.

communication effectiveness.

design.

it is only implicit in the consideration of the analysis of ecosystems and natural social conditions. For the other goals at hand, this method proves to be applicable to support their satisfaction if the target is form optimization (especially given the nature of this iterative method, which favours systematic optimization) or innovation paradigm with regard to performance features. No support is perceived to attain the goal of communication effectiveness.


Table 6. Analysis of perceived support provided by the five bio-inspired design methods selected in attaining five fundamental design goals.

The bio-inspired design method shows gaps in the support offered to designers if the goal is to achieve optimal form, since the focus in this method is set on function. In some design processes supported by the procedures inherent to this method, the search for a biologically inspired solution to perform a given function could lead to considerations of form. However, the method does not provide procedures for optimization and does not explicitly consider form, or shape. The method is also deemed applicable in a satisfactory manner to problems where the targeted goal is either paradigm innovation for improved functional performance, or to satisfy multiple requirements, or a combination of both. However, it is not applicable to support the pursuance of the goals of effectiveness of either communication or organization.

Biologically Inspired Design: Methods and Validation 111

Goal Validation procedures to evaluate goal accomplishment

by the sender (empirical verification).

intended for the bionic concept. Examples:

prototype testing.

multiple system elements.

and, or, technical schemes.

goals sought in bio-inspired design endeavours.

technology or kind of energy supplied.

Table 7. Specific procedures suggested for consideration of the processes of validation of

Validation is made according to the level of communication involved.

Active communication (synchronous process between a sender and a receiver) - effectiveness evaluated from the assessment of the overlap between the messages from the sender and what is

perceived by the receiver, which should conform to what is desired

Passive communication (triggered by observation) - the effectiveness may be evaluated by assessing the degree of the overlap between the meaning intended to be incorporated into the product or system by the designer and the readings of signification

made by users or observers (empirical verification).

Validation based on a comparative approach with regard to a conventional product with functionality that is similar to the one

Reducing material and weight - analysis from solid modeling. Stability - static analysis of mass centre (force vector modeling). Resistance for maximum capacity - finite element method and

Object storage - capacity, maximum capacity; quantification.

requirement. This is followed by checking if the resolution of conflicts between non-compatible properties was made with compromises

Validation based on objectively verifying, as much as possible, the level that has been reached for each property implicit in every

Validation based on the comparison between two or more systems performing the same function (including the proposed system), but with different methods of organization. Collect measures of the levels of operation effectiveness from the (real or simulated) systems (including the proposed system), such as execution time, energy expended, material resources expended, or resources generated.

The evidence of paradigm change depends on the type of paradigm involved. Consider these examples of two kinds of paradigm change: Paradigm change at the organizational level - could involve changing from a centralized model of decision making to a process of cooperative decision making distributed and performed by

Paradigm change at the technical level – could involve

The verification of the satisfaction of this goal may centre on a conceptual-analytical argument distinguishing between the existing and the new paradigm, possibly illustrated by descriptive imagery

fundamental changes in working principle, shape archetype, drive

established on every side of the requirements concerned.

Communication effectiveness

> Form optimization

Multiple requirements satisfaction

Organization effectiveness

Paradigm innovation for improved functional performance

In the Aalborg method, which provides guidance in the direction from the solution to the problem, the degree of applicability to the goals of form optimization and satisfaction of multiple conditions, was assigned as "Applicable with shortcomings". For the first goal, despite the focus on form, there is no effort to optimize. Secondly, because shape, structure and functional principles are considered in this method the, implementation of multiple principles of form and structure may result from the analysis but is not explicitly considered. For the goals of innovation of paradigm for improved performance of functions and for effectiveness of organization, this method is deemed applicable.

For the bio-solution in search of a problem method, which is directed from the solution to the problem, as this method focuses on extracting and implementing the solution principle form nature, both the aspects of optimizing the shape and satisfying multiple requirements, are bound to be sidelined at the expense of the functional principle. The evaluation of this method and the previous one only differ significantly on the applicability to provide support to the pursuance of the goal of organizational effectiveness, because in this method there is no focus on the organizational structure of the biological system centred upon. The method is deemed applicable to support attaining the goal of paradigm innovation for increased functional performance.

#### **4. Validation of goal satisfaction in the bio-inspired design process**

The analysis presented in the previous section identified goals where the methods considered were deemed to either offer no support, or only offer reduced support, towards their pursuance and satisfaction. Moreover, only two of the methods (the spiral design method and the Aalborg method) entail some evaluation procedures, albeit limited in scope. This leads to suggest the integration of validation activities in bionic design processes, in order to ascertain whether the desired goals might be met by the use of the concepts generated with the support of bionic design methods. The current section presents a proposed validation approach, summarily depicted on Table 7, based on considering specific validation procedures matching each of the five goals focused in the previous section.

#### **4.1 Bio-inspired design case requirements**

Five methods that are intended to support the generation of bio-inspired design concepts, retrieved from literature, were analysed in this chapter. Three of these methods shared a common direction of analysis, which departs from a given problem and seeks the proposal of solutions by gathering insight and inspiration form natural systems. This approach begins with the identification of a problem or the needs of a project, which is followed by looking for inspiration from nature or seeking an analogy with a natural solution to foster the emergence of a solution to the problem (a bionic solution proposal).

A bionic design project was carried out, following an approach combining three of the methods reviewed (Junior et al. 2002, Biomimicry Inst. 2007, Helms et al. 2009). The problem considered was the storage and the physical display to enable browsing of personal music collections, focusing on CDs and DVDs. The conduction of the design process led to seek inspiration form nature, having selected the spider web as a natural example that was the basis for the analogy of working principle established. The requirements established for the project and their corresponding goals are listed in Table 8. Moreover, environmental

In the Aalborg method, which provides guidance in the direction from the solution to the problem, the degree of applicability to the goals of form optimization and satisfaction of multiple conditions, was assigned as "Applicable with shortcomings". For the first goal, despite the focus on form, there is no effort to optimize. Secondly, because shape, structure and functional principles are considered in this method the, implementation of multiple principles of form and structure may result from the analysis but is not explicitly considered. For the goals of innovation of paradigm for improved performance of functions

For the bio-solution in search of a problem method, which is directed from the solution to the problem, as this method focuses on extracting and implementing the solution principle form nature, both the aspects of optimizing the shape and satisfying multiple requirements, are bound to be sidelined at the expense of the functional principle. The evaluation of this method and the previous one only differ significantly on the applicability to provide support to the pursuance of the goal of organizational effectiveness, because in this method there is no focus on the organizational structure of the biological system centred upon. The method is deemed applicable to support attaining the goal of paradigm innovation for

The analysis presented in the previous section identified goals where the methods considered were deemed to either offer no support, or only offer reduced support, towards their pursuance and satisfaction. Moreover, only two of the methods (the spiral design method and the Aalborg method) entail some evaluation procedures, albeit limited in scope. This leads to suggest the integration of validation activities in bionic design processes, in order to ascertain whether the desired goals might be met by the use of the concepts generated with the support of bionic design methods. The current section presents a proposed validation approach, summarily depicted on Table 7, based on considering specific validation procedures matching each of the five goals focused in the previous

Five methods that are intended to support the generation of bio-inspired design concepts, retrieved from literature, were analysed in this chapter. Three of these methods shared a common direction of analysis, which departs from a given problem and seeks the proposal of solutions by gathering insight and inspiration form natural systems. This approach begins with the identification of a problem or the needs of a project, which is followed by looking for inspiration from nature or seeking an analogy with a natural solution to foster the

A bionic design project was carried out, following an approach combining three of the methods reviewed (Junior et al. 2002, Biomimicry Inst. 2007, Helms et al. 2009). The problem considered was the storage and the physical display to enable browsing of personal music collections, focusing on CDs and DVDs. The conduction of the design process led to seek inspiration form nature, having selected the spider web as a natural example that was the basis for the analogy of working principle established. The requirements established for the project and their corresponding goals are listed in Table 8. Moreover, environmental

and for effectiveness of organization, this method is deemed applicable.

**4. Validation of goal satisfaction in the bio-inspired design process** 

increased functional performance.

**4.1 Bio-inspired design case requirements** 

emergence of a solution to the problem (a bionic solution proposal).

section.


Table 7. Specific procedures suggested for consideration of the processes of validation of goals sought in bio-inspired design endeavours.

Biologically Inspired Design: Methods and Validation 113

between 18 and 60, both male and female, and with diverse professional and knowledge

Fig. 1. Depiction of a conventional CD tower, and the two bio-inspired CD tower racks

Each respondent indicated which of the CD racks was personally more aesthetically pleasing and appealing, from 3 paired comparisons presented. The paired comparisons approach applied to this case of three objects enables 8 possibilities of response, two of which are incongruent, since no ranking of preference can be established out of them. Three out of the 85 respondents reported incongruent paired comparisons. Thus, the analysis of results was carried out for 82 responses. The results were analysed on the basis of the procedure for calculating the Kendall coefficient of concordance (Siegel & Castellan 1988). The average ranking obtained was bionic tower 1 (first place), bionic tower 2 (second place) and conventional tower (third place). This result is considered significant to represent the overall opinion of respondents to a confidence level of 99%. These results support the validation of the first requirement depicted in Table 8. Both the first and second bionic towers received the preference of respondents over the conventional tower, which supports the validation of the gains in terms of pleasantness and aesthetic appeal, for both versions of

In what concerns the second requirement that contributes to the goal of effective communication, validation was sought by means of a technique of anthropomorphizing products through the attribution of personality dimensions. In a first phase, a translation of the requirement into a product personality profile (Jordan 2002) was proposed. In the second phase of the process, a sample of specialized public (eight undergraduate Industrial Design students) assessed the personality profile of the three objects shown in Figure 1. In such, whether or not the message intended by the designer was transmitted to the public

The second requirement set in Table 8, was decomposed in a number of concepts to promote the matching process envisaged. This led to considering the attributes of modern, elegant, youthful, joyful, flexible and dynamic. Moreover the attributes consisting of lightweight and stable were also considered from the third and fourth requirements. The correspondence between product attributes intended by the designer to be perceived by the public and

designed: conventional tower(A), bionic tower 1 (B) and bionic tower 2 (C).

specialities.

the bio-inspired design.

could be verified.

concerns were expressed in terms of reduced environmental impact of materials, ease of maintenance and repair, as well as low weight of the product (and its package) for transportation. These requirements were dealt with in the design project, impinging on the selection of materials (selection of a bio-polymer and an organic elastomer) and on the design of the project (impinging on the goal of paradigm innovation for improved functional performance).


\*- Satisfaction of multiple requirements is implicit in the consideration of the several requirements; † - Conflicting requirements, requiring a trade-off.

Table 8. Listing of requirements set for the bio-inspired design case presented and their corresponding goals that were sought.

The validation processes carried out within the exemplified design case used are summarily described, and an overview of the evidence used and the results obtained is provided in the following sub-sections, considering the goals depicted in Table 7. In what concerns the goal of satisfaction of multiple requirements, a conflict was detected between the requirement of enhanced stability and lightness. This conflict was solved by means of an approach akin to TRIZ (Altshuller 1994), with the contradiction solved by change of state, in the second iteration of the design. Bionic tower 2 hence encompasses a reservoir in the basis which may be filled with water or sand for added stability, while lightness is still guaranteed, for the sake of environmental concerns, especially focusing on the production and distribution phases of the product's life-cycle.

#### **4.2 Validation of communication effectiveness**

The perception by the user of pleasantness and appeal, enabling the development of an aesthetic interest in the product (first requirement in Table 8) was validated through a questionnaire where, among other things, each of the two bionic CD towers was visually compared, with a conventional tower (Figure 1). The validation of this requirement is necessarily subjective, because the key issue that arises relates to the taste and sensitivity of each individual questioned. Respondents, answering by email, accounted to 85, aged

concerns were expressed in terms of reduced environmental impact of materials, ease of maintenance and repair, as well as low weight of the product (and its package) for transportation. These requirements were dealt with in the design project, impinging on the selection of materials (selection of a bio-polymer and an organic elastomer) and on the design of the project (impinging on the goal of paradigm innovation for improved

2. Sending a message of an avant-garde character, creative and effectiveness

4. Increased lightness compared to conventional solution† Form optimization

6. Storage with versatility of CDs, DVDs or books Organization

\*- Satisfaction of multiple requirements is implicit in the consideration of the several requirements;

The validation processes carried out within the exemplified design case used are summarily described, and an overview of the evidence used and the results obtained is provided in the following sub-sections, considering the goals depicted in Table 7. In what concerns the goal of satisfaction of multiple requirements, a conflict was detected between the requirement of enhanced stability and lightness. This conflict was solved by means of an approach akin to TRIZ (Altshuller 1994), with the contradiction solved by change of state, in the second iteration of the design. Bionic tower 2 hence encompasses a reservoir in the basis which may be filled with water or sand for added stability, while lightness is still guaranteed, for the sake of environmental concerns, especially focusing on the production and distribution

The perception by the user of pleasantness and appeal, enabling the development of an aesthetic interest in the product (first requirement in Table 8) was validated through a questionnaire where, among other things, each of the two bionic CD towers was visually compared, with a conventional tower (Figure 1). The validation of this requirement is necessarily subjective, because the key issue that arises relates to the taste and sensitivity of each individual questioned. Respondents, answering by email, accounted to 85, aged

Table 8. Listing of requirements set for the bio-inspired design case presented and their

1. Nice and appealing shape, enabling the user to develop an

youthful 3. Enhanced stability against a dynamic disturbance compared with a conventional solution†

5. Proper positioning of the title of the CDs, DVDs and books for enhanced readability

7. Enhanced gripping of objects compared with a conventional solution

† - Conflicting requirements, requiring a trade-off.

corresponding goals that were sought.

phases of the product's life-cycle.

**4.2 Validation of communication effectiveness** 

Requirements Goals sought\*

effectiveness

Paradigm innovation for improved functional performance

aesthetic interest in product Communication

functional performance).

between 18 and 60, both male and female, and with diverse professional and knowledge specialities.

Fig. 1. Depiction of a conventional CD tower, and the two bio-inspired CD tower racks designed: conventional tower(A), bionic tower 1 (B) and bionic tower 2 (C).

Each respondent indicated which of the CD racks was personally more aesthetically pleasing and appealing, from 3 paired comparisons presented. The paired comparisons approach applied to this case of three objects enables 8 possibilities of response, two of which are incongruent, since no ranking of preference can be established out of them. Three out of the 85 respondents reported incongruent paired comparisons. Thus, the analysis of results was carried out for 82 responses. The results were analysed on the basis of the procedure for calculating the Kendall coefficient of concordance (Siegel & Castellan 1988). The average ranking obtained was bionic tower 1 (first place), bionic tower 2 (second place) and conventional tower (third place). This result is considered significant to represent the overall opinion of respondents to a confidence level of 99%. These results support the validation of the first requirement depicted in Table 8. Both the first and second bionic towers received the preference of respondents over the conventional tower, which supports the validation of the gains in terms of pleasantness and aesthetic appeal, for both versions of the bio-inspired design.

In what concerns the second requirement that contributes to the goal of effective communication, validation was sought by means of a technique of anthropomorphizing products through the attribution of personality dimensions. In a first phase, a translation of the requirement into a product personality profile (Jordan 2002) was proposed. In the second phase of the process, a sample of specialized public (eight undergraduate Industrial Design students) assessed the personality profile of the three objects shown in Figure 1. In such, whether or not the message intended by the designer was transmitted to the public could be verified.

The second requirement set in Table 8, was decomposed in a number of concepts to promote the matching process envisaged. This led to considering the attributes of modern, elegant, youthful, joyful, flexible and dynamic. Moreover the attributes consisting of lightweight and stable were also considered from the third and fourth requirements. The correspondence between product attributes intended by the designer to be perceived by the public and

Biologically Inspired Design: Methods and Validation 115

According to the findings obtained, the communication of a message of young spirit, dynamism and joyfulness were validated. Tower C (bionic tower 2) is the one which, according to the survey, more effectively conveys the desired messages, is considered the most dynamic, the most rebellious, most joyful and, together with tower B (bionic tower 1), most kind and most liberal. Regarding the transmission of the message of lightness, the personality profile related (simple - complex) did not translate so well the associated requirement. This might have led respondents to identify tower A (conventional) as the simplest, and therefore, according to the tenuous association, the lightest of the three. Interpretative meanings vary from person to person. The absence of actual experience of use of the towers on the part of respondents, who just exercised visual perception, may have also influenced and contributed to vagueness and lack of agreement among the

The results concerning requirements contributing to the satisfaction of the goal of form optimization are shown in Table 10 (enhanced stability – according to force vector analysis), Table 11 (increased lightness – solid modelling analysis), Figure 2 (enhanced readability of CD titles – graphical depiction) and Figure 2 (scheme illustrating analytical stability modelling). For the first of the three requirements concerned by this goal, bionic tower 2 ranks in first place, while for the second requirement, bionic tower 1 is clearly the lightest, while for the last of the three requirements both bionic towers achieve a tie ahead of the conventional tower. The results support validation of the achievement of the goal sought of form optimization, albeit both bionic towers are deemed equivalent in this

capacity 49,96 N 49,59 N 74 N

Table 10. Comparison of results for the maximum lateral disturbance tolerated without loss

At medium capacity 35,11 N 29,57 N 56,34 N

Total mass Conventional tower Bionic tower 1 Bionic tower 2

Transport mode 11,049 Kg 4,763 Kg 8,087 Kg

Use mode 11,049 Kg 4,763 Kg 17,087 Kg

Table 11. Comparison of mass data among the three objects.

Conventional tower Bionic tower 1 Bionic tower 2

respondents.

respect.

Maximum lateral disturbance to maintain stability

At maximum

of stability in the three concepts.

**4.3 Validation of form optimization** 

product personality dimensions (Jordan 2002) are shown in Table 9. The outcome of analysis on the respondents assessment of the personality profiles is also shown, based on evaluation of Kendall's coefficient of concordance (Siegel & Castellan 1988).

For every personality pair, analysis was performed as exemplified for the pair energetic – non energetic energy, the average ranking of the panel of respondents (with a significance of 99%, given by the assessment of Kendall 's coefficient) resulted in the following rank order: 1st C, 2nd B, 3rd A. As a conclusion to this result, it is understandable that tower C (bionic tower 2) is considered more energetic than the tower B (bionic tower 1), and that tower C (conventional tower) is considered less energetic than tower B. This means that tower C is deemed the least energetic of the three towers and that C is the tower that emerges as the most dynamic and the less dynamic, thus validating this communication requirement.


Table 9. Analysis of the results of the survey on the personality profile of the towers for CD and DVD storage and verification of messages perceived from observation of the objects by the pannel of undergraduate industrial design students.

product personality dimensions (Jordan 2002) are shown in Table 9. The outcome of analysis on the respondents assessment of the personality profiles is also shown, based on

For every personality pair, analysis was performed as exemplified for the pair energetic – non energetic energy, the average ranking of the panel of respondents (with a significance of 99%, given by the assessment of Kendall 's coefficient) resulted in the following rank order: 1st C, 2nd B, 3rd A. As a conclusion to this result, it is understandable that tower C (bionic tower 2) is considered more energetic than the tower B (bionic tower 1), and that tower C (conventional tower) is considered less energetic than tower B. This means that tower C is deemed the least energetic of the three towers and that C is the tower that emerges as the most dynamic and the less dynamic, thus validating this communication requirement.

> Significance level of Kendall's coefficient of concordance

Complex A – B – C 99% Tower A is considered

Violent B and C – A Not significant Sample did not reveal

Excessive A – B – C Not significant Sample did not reveal

Conformist C – B – A 99% Tower C is the most

Pessimistic B – C – A Not significant Sample did not reveal

Unkind B and C - A 95% Towers B and C are the

Inflexible C – B – A Not significant Sample did not reveal

Unenergetic C – B – A 99% Tower C is the most

Table 9. Analysis of the results of the survey on the personality profile of the towers for CD and DVD storage and verification of messages perceived from observation of the objects by

Unstable B – A – C Not significant Sample did not reveal

B and C - A 99% Towers B and C are the

C – B – A 99% Tower C is the most light-

Conclusion

agreement

most simple (lightweight)

agreement

agreement

most liberal (youthful)

rebellious (youthful)

agreement

hearted (joyful)

most kind (joyful)

agreement

energetic (dynamic)

agreement

evaluation of Kendall's coefficient of concordance (Siegel & Castellan 1988).

Average ranking 1st- 2nd – 3rd

Modern Bright – Dim B – A – C Not significant Sample did not reveal

Designer's message

Elegant

Youthful spirit

Joyful

Lightweight Simple –

Personality profile

Gentle –

Moderate -

Liberal – Authoritarian

Rebel –

Optimistic –

Light-hearted – Seriousminded

Kind –

the pannel of undergraduate industrial design students.

Flexible Flexible –

Dynamic Energetic –

Stable Stable -

According to the findings obtained, the communication of a message of young spirit, dynamism and joyfulness were validated. Tower C (bionic tower 2) is the one which, according to the survey, more effectively conveys the desired messages, is considered the most dynamic, the most rebellious, most joyful and, together with tower B (bionic tower 1), most kind and most liberal. Regarding the transmission of the message of lightness, the personality profile related (simple - complex) did not translate so well the associated requirement. This might have led respondents to identify tower A (conventional) as the simplest, and therefore, according to the tenuous association, the lightest of the three. Interpretative meanings vary from person to person. The absence of actual experience of use of the towers on the part of respondents, who just exercised visual perception, may have also influenced and contributed to vagueness and lack of agreement among the respondents.
