Broadening the Taxonomic Breadth of Organisms in the Bio-Inspired Design Process

Author:

Hund Amanda K.12,Stretch Elizabeth3,Smirnoff Dimitri3,Roehrig Gillian H.3,Snell-Rood Emilie C.1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN 55108, USA

2. Department of Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN 55057, USA

3. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN 55455, USA

Abstract

(1) Generating a range of biological analogies is a key part of the bio-inspired design process. In this research, we drew on the creativity literature to test methods for increasing the diversity of these ideas. We considered the role of the problem type, the role of individual expertise (versus learning from others), and the effect of two interventions designed to increase creativity—going outside and exploring different evolutionary and ecological “idea spaces” using online tools. (2) We tested these ideas with problem-based brainstorming assignments from a 180-person online course in animal behavior. (3) Student brainstorming was generally drawn to mammals, and the breadth of ideas was affected more by the assigned problem than by practice over time. Individual biological expertise had a small but significant effect on the taxonomic breadth of ideas, but interactions with team members did not. When students were directed to consider other ecosystems and branches of the tree of life, they increased the taxonomic diversity of biological models. In contrast, going outside resulted in a significant decrease in the diversity of ideas. (4) We offer a range of recommendations to increase the breadth of biological models generated in the bio-inspired design process.

Funder

Templeton Foundation

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Molecular Medicine,Biomedical Engineering,Biochemistry,Biomaterials,Bioengineering,Biotechnology

Reference63 articles.

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3. Goel, A.K., McAdams, D.A., and Stone, R.B. (2015). Biologically Inspired Design, Springer.

4. Farzaneh, H.H., and Lindemann, U. (2018). A practical Guide to Bio-Inspired Design, Springer.

5. Iridescence-controlled and flexibly tunable retroreflective structural color film for smart displays;Fan;Sci. Adv.,2019

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