Interest · 25 examples
25 examples where people turned a strategy from nature into product design solutions.
Plant volatile signaling systems
Plant volatile emission patterns inspire bio-based food preservation sachets that extend shelf life without synthetic chemicals.
Morpho butterfly (Morpho rhetenor)
The Morpho butterfly's iridescent blue wings contain no blue pigment — the colour is created entirely by microscopic structures that interfere with light. This inspired a range of structural colour technologies that could eliminate toxic textile dyes entirely.
Burdock plant (Arctium sp.)
The invention of Velcro — one of the most commercially successful products in history — came directly from Swiss engineer George de Mestral observing how burdock burrs clung to his dog's fur through thousands of tiny hooks that caught on microscopic loops in the fur.
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The lotus leaf is covered in microscopic waxy bumps that make water form perfect spheres and roll off instantly, carrying dirt with them. This "lotus effect" has been commercialised in self-cleaning building materials, textiles, medical devices, and solar panels worldwide.
Fungal mycelium (Ganoderma and other species)
Ecovative Design grows packaging, leather, and foam from fungal mycelium fed on agricultural waste, replacing petroleum-based polystyrene and plastics with materials that are home-compostable in 30–45 days and produce 90 % fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Interface designed modular carpet tiles inspired by the random, distributed positioning of honeybees in a hive. The random pattern prevents visible seams and wear patterns while maintaining aesthetic appeal and durability.
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
The bumps (tubercles) on humpback whale fins turn out to be a breakthrough aerodynamic innovation. WhalePower Corporation's turbine blades, modelled on these tubercles, generate 20% more power, operate in 40% lower wind speeds, and stall less — transforming wind energy economics.
Liver Inspired Toxic Free Cleaning Materials - Sudoc One of your body's most amazing organs, The human liver is just incredible - from filtering harmful things from your blood, storing fuel, and even helps you digest food..
Algal cell walls and biopolymers
Algae's structural biopolymers inspire foam materials for fully biodegradable, multifunctional footwear, replacing petroleum-based polymers.
Gecko lizard (Gekkota sp.)
Interface developed glue-free carpet tiles using gecko-inspired dry adhesive principles. The tiles use van der Waals forces to create reusable, pressure-sensitive attachment without permanent adhesives.
Vascular Plants (Transpiration)
Plants transpire water through leaves. Applied to sanitation in developing world.
Mimikai: Nature’s Secret to Insect Repellent Many people dislike the smell and feel of traditional bug sprays like DEET.
Spider (Araneae order), specifically silk-producing spiders
AMSilk (Germany) produces bioengineered spider silk proteins for cosmetics. Synthetic spider silk creates luxurious, high-performance cosmetics with superior properties and sustainability.
Sycamore trees (Acer species) seed pods
Ceiling fan blade design inspired by sycamore seed pod aerodynamics for improved air circulation efficiency.
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates and other microorganisms
Decorative and ambient lighting systems using bioluminescent microorganism culture inspired design principles.
Biological cycles (ecosystems)
Applying circular economy principles from natural ecosystems to textile production and upholstery design.
Forest floor ecosystem and animal camouflage patterns
Interface developed TacTiles modular carpet inspired by forest floor camouflage and animal pattern disruption. The non-directional design with organic, break-up patterns creates visual continuity regardless of installation direction.
A Cleaning Brush Inspired by Cats' Tongues Cats are vigorous self-groomers, and researchers at
Snake (Serpentes, Scale Surface)
Snake scales create directional friction. Applied to footwear.
Songololo millipede
Modular furniture design by Haldane Martin inspired by the songololo millipede's segmented body structure for adaptable, expandable furniture systems.
Sharks (various species with dermal denticles)
High-performance swimsuit featuring sharkskin-inspired surface texture to reduce drag and improve swimming speed.
East African climate and environment adaptation
The bePRO helmet designed by Design Without Borders using biomimetic principles adapted to East African climate conditions for improved safety and comfort.
Pangolin (Manis sp.)
Overlapping keratinous scales provide armour-like protection with full flexibility.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed chair by Lilian van Daal designed using plant cell structures for strength, comfort, and material efficiency.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed soft seating design by Lilian Van Daal that mimics the cellular structure of plants for ergonomic comfort and material efficiency.
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