DEVELOPING HOLISTIC ENGINEERING COMPETENCIES IN A BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN COURSE

Abstract

Bio-inspired design can be found in an increasing number of products and applications from surgical staples inspired by porcupines to bacteria inhibiting foil inspired by sharks. As a methodology, bio-inspired design studies nature, its models, systems, and processes and then imitates or takes creative inspiration from them to solve human problems often sustainably. Bio-inspired design as a methodology is applicable to multiple disciplines and has driven innovations in fields ranging from business to engineering. The increase in interest in this method of design comes directly from our search for sustainable solutions to solving problems. A recent technical elective explores this design methodology to increase a holistic view of design using project-based learning in a community context.