Intention (Why and when do I use it?)
Bionic comes from biology and technic and is the use and application of nature and its principles with adjustments to the special requirements to mankind. Bi- onic is a creativity technique that uses similarities in nature in order to find a cre- ative solution for a (technical) problem. Evolution in the plant and animal world had a similar purpose to today’s business world: optimal energy utilisation, qual- ity improvements, improved efficiency and productivity, hence many of nature‘s optimisation strategies or bio-cybernetic principles are applicable to organisa- tional or technical problems.
When faced with a rather technical problem and looking for a creative solution, try this approach and look to Mother Nature.
Purpose (What does it do?)
In the quest to find a solution, bionic searches for analogies in nature that are transferable and applicable to the problem situation, e.g. the protective design of a mushroom is used in an umbrella, the shape of a bat is mirrored in a kite, the propulsion of a jelly fish is used in rocket science.
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3.3 Creativity
Instruction (How do I do it?)
• Identify the structure and nature of the problem, e.g. protection, tension and structure, flotation, etc.
• Screen the ‘world’ for similar structures, functions, effects and mechanisms. Look for creative sources, e.g. zoo, museum, animal or nature books or a walk in the park. Alternatively use the internet, if it works better for you.
• Don’t apply the findings from Mother Nature blindly; rather use the concept as a template to stimulate new ideas and applications.
Source: Nagel