Biomimicry: Engineering Inspired by Nature

The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 Biomimicry: Engineering Inspired by Nature Teresa Aguilar-Planet, University of Seville, Spain Alberto Picardo, University of Seville, Spain Juan-Francisco Fernández-Rodríguez, University of Seville, Spain Amanda Martín-Mariscal, University of Seville, Spain Estela Peralta, University of Seville, Spain Abstract: Humans are intrinsically linked to an extensive natural ecosystem, which is made up of a set of living organisms that interact with each other and with their physical environment, and developing projects in the field of engineering that recognize this connection in a technical way is a key strategy to mitigate or eliminate potential environmental impacts. Considering this concept, biomimicry is a methodology that uses nature as a source of inspiration and knowledge to create innovative, sustainable solutions that also ensure a regenerative and restorative impact on the environment through the responsible and sustainable application of technology. In this context, this work explores how biomimicry, as a discipline, can be effectively utilized within engineering projects, and analyzes the existing strategies and methodological tools that facilitate the effective and goaloriented application of biomimicry in any field or branch of knowledge, particularly evaluating its potential in engineering solutions. The results identify the main methodologies, tools, and applications of biomimicry, highlighting its potential to improve efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability to different types of engineering projects and identifying how political structures can influence its applications. Integrating biomimicry into a project offers the opportunity to achieve innovative and environmentally friendly design alternatives, as reflected in those provided in the context of application in the marine environment developed in this article, allowing to contribute to certain Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: Biological Models, Innovative Design, Innovative Solutions, Sustainability, Biomimetics, Sustainable Tools Introduction The sustainable approach—that is, one that seeks to preserve natural resources and the environment in the long term—is driven by the ongoing need to minimize the negative impact of human activities on the global ecosystem. Issues such as climate change, acidification, and biodiversity loss are problems caused primarily by unsustainable industrial practices. Over time, these problems have become more frequent and severe, endangering the survival of various species and the quality of life for future generations. Consequently, a new agenda has been developed, comprising seventeen goals aimed at enabling a more sustainable future, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, n.d.). To achieve these goals, the biomimetic perspective offers a promising opportunity (Blok and Gremmen 2016). Biomimicry has the potential to contribute to several SDGs, particularly those focused on sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life below water and on land (SDG 14 and 15). However, biomimicry alone can address all SDGs. Instead, it is suggested as a complementary approach that can provide sustainable practices and innovations aligned with specific goals. This approach views nature as a teacher and source of inspiration, relying solely on the observation and imitation of biological strategies. This methodology is potentially applicable in any field or sector and can effectively minimize negative impacts (Cognet et al. 2017; Eid and Al-Abdallah 2024). Nature is characterized by its high adaptability to any event or occurrence. Although certain natural events have permanent effects, nature has mechanisms to adapt, regenerate, and evolve in the face of these changes so that life continues under new conditions. For example, after an eruption, the soil can become fertile, thanks to volcanic ash, and some species can thrive in new conditions. It can encourage a shift The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 toward a circular and regenerative economy that minimizes waste and prioritizes the restoration and respect of natural and biological cycles. From an engineering perspective, technology can positively impact natural ecosystems when guided by established frameworks such as cradle to cradle, industrial ecology, or circular economy principles (Graedel 1996). These approaches emphasize designing processes and products that regenerate resources, reduce waste, and create closed-loop systems. Tools like life cycle assessment (LCA) further allow us to evaluate and enhance the ecological benefits of these designs. Biomimicry, integrated with these methods, provides nature-inspired strategies that embed sustainability and regeneration into engineering solutions, actively contributing to ecosystem health (Graedel 1996). In the pursuit of sustainable solutions, studying biological strategies can significantly lead to zero environmental impact, while also fostering creative thinking and most innovative solutions. Parameters or concepts closely related to project management or engineering, such as efficiency, adaptability, and resilience, can be promoted by this biomimicry approach. The biomimetic perspective has been employed in various fields throughout history. For example, in literature, the legend of Daedalus and Icarus describes how they observed the flight of birds and found a solution by emulating their behavior to escape their isolated and trapped situation (Ovid 2004). Emulating the flight of birds has been a recurring source of inspiration, notably with Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine from the Renaissance era (Taylor 2009). However, not all inventions were developed with the intention of emulating a nature-inspired solution. For instance, Velcro was invented in the twentieth century by its creator who, while walking his dog, observed that certain plants adhered to his dog’s fur and his clothes (Benyus 2002). It is convenient to make a distinction between the terms “biomimicry,” “biomimetics,” and “biodesign.” Biomimetics is centered around imitating biological processes to create innovative solutions inspired by biological phenomena, while “biomimicry” emphasizes using insights from biology to create sustainable methods and practices, and “biodesign” refers to a design approach that draws inspiration from the principles and processes of nature to create products, systems, or solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly (Zari 2007). Biomimicry presents a series of barriers and difficulties, such as the necessary prior biological knowledge and the methodologies or biological strategies to be simulated. In addition, an interdisciplinary team is necessary to obtain relevant solutions. This is because biomimicry can be applied in various sectors with their own set of principles and technical needs, and understanding the appropriate biological strategies requires specific knowledge in the field to achieve sustainable and efficient nature-based solutions. For an initial introduction, the application methodology of the Biomimicry Design Spiral (define, biologize, discover, abstract, emulate, evaluate) (Biomimicry Institute 2023), along with the Biomimicry Taxonomy tool (Biomimicry Institute 2008) and the AskNature resource (Biomimicry Institute 2023), may prove interesting as they offer a structured framework and an extensive database of biological strategies, respectively. In relation to project management focused on product design and its stages, a parallel can be drawn with the practical and professional management of design, as shown in Figure 1. The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 Figure 1: Relationship Between the Biomimetic Design Spiral and the Design Phases of a Product The opportunities offered by a nature-inspired solutions approach have led to the creation of institutions such as the Biomimicry Institute (Biomimicry Institute 2023). This institution has distinguished itself by its commitment to promoting biomimetic research and applications in various fields. Among the resources it provides is the Biomimicry Taxonomy (Biomimicry Institute 2008), a tool that offers a functional and classified list of biological strategies, facilitating the search process through the AskNature database (Biomimicry Institute 2023). This synergy between resources provides a solid and accessible foundation for those who wish to explore and apply biomimetic principles in their projects or engineering practices. Similarly, policy structures can facilitate the application of biomimetics as developed in later sections. In addition, the study of innovations applied in the marine environment is interesting to justify the results of the research carried out, due to the great biodiversity and highly efficient natural solutions offered by this environment and the complexity of the projects developed in this context. Methodology The research was developed based on a search strategy using a set of defined keywords, carefully selected to cover a wide range of concepts and terminology associated with biomimicry, ensuring the identification of relevant resources across various disciplines and fields of application, including “biomimetics,” “bioinspiration,” “biologically inspired approach,” “bioinspiration principles,” “biomimetic methodologies,” “biomimicry tools,” “bioinspired design,” “natureinspired solutions,” “biodesign,” “sustainable design inspired by nature,” and “bioinspired engineering.” To further refine the analysis, the search was segmented by type of knowledge related to biomimicry: (1) conceptual frameworks, methodologies, tools, case studies, and review papers and (2) technological applications (architecture, urbanism, biodesign, robotics, and materials). The types of knowledge analyzed in the study include conceptual frameworks (e.g., Life’s Principles), methodologies and tools (e.g., BioTRIZ, biomimicry spiral, AskNature), case studies, technological applications in fields like robotics and materials science, and interdisciplinary research integrating biomimicry with architecture, urbanism, and product design. A comprehensive review of existing knowledge was carried out, to subsequently highlight and mention the most interesting ones in the engineering field. Data sources through the Google Scholar search engine include a variety of resources, such as academic articles, books, journals, and review articles. The initial search yielded a total of 592 publications from 1997 to 2023. After filtering according to the following indicators, a final selection of 133 publications was obtained The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 and analyzed in this work: (1) thematic relevance, focusing on publications directly related to biomimicry and its engineering applications; (2) adaptability and practical feasibility of the results, highlighting the potential for direct implementation in engineering and design projects; and (3) quality of the source based on the type of indexing, area of indexing, and number of citations. The indicators mentioned were used as criteria to filter and select publications. The results were structured into four fundamental parts: (1) bibliometric analysis, (2) analysis of available biomimetic tools and methodologies in management and professional design practice and how policy structures can promote the use of biomimicry in engineering, (3) application of biomimicry in a specific industrial sector (technology used in marine environments), and (4) definition of future frameworks for the research. This comprehensive and structured approach allows for a rigorous and complete examination of the available biomimetic knowledge, providing a global and detailed view of the current state and future perspectives in this field of research. This article represents a distinct and complementary exploration of the application of biomimicry in engineering projects, diverging from our previously published work (which was focused on the industrial design and industrial products sector) (Aguilar-Planet and Peralta 2024). While the prior study focused on providing a comprehensive analysis of biomimetic knowledge across industrial sectors and highlighted procedures applied to specific case studies, this new work delves deeper into the technical, methodological, and strategic dimensions of biomimicry within the context of engineering and project management. In particular, it evaluates the effective application of biomimicry as a discipline, analyzing its methodologies and tools with a focus on their adaptability and efficiency in engineering contexts. Additionally, this study incorporates a novel perspective by examining the influence of political structures on the implementation of biomimicry and emphasizing its potential to address systemic challenges. These distinctions ensure that this article contributes original insights, expanding the understanding of biomimicry as a transformative approach for sustainable and innovative engineering practices. Results Bibliometric research aims to show the proportion of applications of biomimicry in each sector or field of knowledge, related to the correct way to integrate biomimetics in a project, that is, with methodical and informed application of the principles of biomimetics, using methodologies and established tools (e.g., Biomimicry DesignLens [Biomimicry 3.8, n.d.], Life’s Principles and BioTRIZ [Bogatyrev and Bogatyreva 2015; Mayda and Borklu 2014]) to ensure that solutions are not only inspired by nature but also adhere to ecological, technical, and sustainability criteria. The wide range of opportunities offered by this approach and the existing gaps in its implementation are highlighted. These results are complemented by a series of graphs that present the information in an intuitive and visual manner, making it easier to understand and identify. Firstly, it is interesting to analyze Figure 2, which shows the distribution of the classified publications in a radial form, that is, the organization in which it is found in the reviewed literature. It is evident that publications related to biodesign, a discipline that seeks to integrate principles and strategies inspired by nature within the design of products, processes, and systems, achieve high relevance in various fields of scientific literature. This can be attributed, in part, to the ambiguous and multidisciplinary nature of the concept, which allows for the grouping of diverse academic and professional categories under its designation, such as engineering, architecture, applied biology, and other related areas. This diversity facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovative and sustainable solutions. However, specifically, robotics and the development of new innovative materials based on biological strategies are the fields that The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 sequentially show greater applicability and relevance according to this approach. In the case of robotics, its justification as the area with the greatest influence is due to its ability to integrate bioinspired principles into the design and functionality of advanced technological solutions. Robotics is an area of knowledge in which research plays a fundamental role. By imitating biological principles, robots can be more energy efficient, adaptable to complex environments and sustainable. The primary objective is to achieve superior adaptability and optimal performance in various applications, from industrial automation to medicine, among others. Bioinspired robotics not only enhances the efficiency and precision of designed systems but also generates new opportunities for innovations that emulate natural processes, thus achieving a symbiosis between technology and nature, which is essential for sustainable development and scientific advancement. With this approach, they can achieve innovative solutions and possibly greater investment in research and development. However, due to the high abstraction of biological knowledge, which is expressed through invention principles, the effective application of biomimetic solutions by conventional engineering designers is complex. This, in turn, implies a higher initial investment in research, development, and production, which generates a higher cost compared to traditional solutions (Tan et al. 2019). In this regard, it is appropriate to outline how political structures can promote its application in engineering. Biomimicry raises legal challenges related to the access and use of genetic resources and their derivatives. In this context, regulations such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (United Nations 1992) and the Nagoya Protocol (2010) establish a legal framework to guarantee legal, ethical, and sustainable access to these resources, as well as a fair distribution of the benefits derived from their use (Broeckhoven and Winters 2023). These regulations are essential to promote responsible innovation based on biodiversity. According to Broeckhoven and Winters, both the CBD and the NP encourage the implementation of incentives for biodiversity conservation but suggest that it is necessary to incorporate an approach that not only recognizes and values organisms as sources of inspiration for innovation, but also integrates a perspective of active reciprocity toward natural systems (Broeckhoven and Winters 2023). Johnson and Goldstein (2016) point out that the most worrying aspect of biomimicry is not the privatization of biological knowledge but rather the way in which the knowledge and potential of nature are assimilated as a global resource available for capitalization. In the field of engineering, incentives, training, and regulatory frameworks can be incorporated to encourage biomimetic innovation and facilitate its adoption in industrial sectors. Among them is the international standard ISO 18458:2015, which can function as a tool to structure biologically inspired projects, ensure a coherent approach and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration (International Organization for Standardization [ISO] 2015). The research carried out highlights incentives and grants such as the EU Green Innovation Fund (European Commission 2024), so that projects such as the improvement of energy efficiency based on bioinspired solutions can be developed with less difficulty, from an economic point of view. Among the difficulties that also hinder the application of this approach are cultural barriers. In education, there are practically no subjects that encourage this type of perspective. Therefore, possible curricular integration and professional training on this subject may be a solution. For example, the University of Melbourne (n.d.) offers certifications in biomimetics for the design of products and technological solutions. Innovation centers and collaborations such as the Biomimicry Institute (Biomimicry Institute 2023) or the Centre for Bio-Inspired Technology (Imperial, 2024) can contribute to improving knowledge and application of this perspective. However, the factors that can mostly lead to further development of biomimicry are political goals and objectives, as they set the framework for action that motivates governments, companies, organizations, and individuals to adopt one type of approach or another. In this regard, the 2030 The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 Agenda for Sustainable Development (United Nations, n.d.) can promote the use of biomimicry in key sectors such as construction and manufacturing with SDG 12 on responsible production and consumption. To justify how governments can support projects that incorporate biomimicry and sustainable practices, it was decided to present a real example, such as the case of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. This integrates architecture and urban design based on biomimicry principles. The “supertrees” are inspired by the processes of capturing and storing solar energy. The project team states that “synergistic collaboration between staff, consultants, local contractors and government agencies facilitated the conversion of the dream of creating a garden for the people into reality” (Novak 2021). The main challenge was the scale and innovation of Gardens by the Bay, which integrated disciplines such as architecture, structural and environmental engineering. The original, barren and infrastructure-free land required preliminary works. It was unprecedented and ahead of its time, going beyond horticulture and landscape architecture to encompass a multitude of disciplines (Novak 2021). The complexity of application in this project is manifested in the diversity of species that make up a complex network of ecological relationships and the use of technologies focused on creating efficient and environmentally sustainable gardens. Despite the difficulties encountered along the way, the gardens have managed to establish themselves as one of the most iconic and innovative initiatives globally, appearing in the BBC documentary series Planet Earth II, becoming internationally recognized symbols of Singapore and receiving numerous awards such as the 2012 Building of the Year, the 2013 Design of the Year, and the 2019 World Urban Parks Legacy Award, among others (Novak 2021). Figure 2: The Organization Found in the Reviewed Literature In reference to the available methodologies and tools, significant developments have been made in application methodologies, allowing for more effective and precise implementation in multiple contexts and disciplines. However, regarding the tools, there are still some gaps in their standardization, which can limit their effectiveness and uniformity in different applications. Despite this, BioTRIZ (Bogatyrev and Bogatyreva 2015) is highlighted as an option of considerable interest, especially in the field of engineering, as it offers an innovative and promising approach for problem-solving and process optimization (Altshuller et al. 1999). This method is promising because it is based on the principles of biomimicry (the imitation of nature’s solutions), which allows for the generation of more sustainable, efficient solutions that are adapted to real operating conditions. BioTRIZ offers tools to identify and overcome technological contradictions, thus promoting innovation without compromising resources or the environment. The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 However, as depicted in Figure 2, BioTRIZ shows a limited number of results. This apparent limitation does not reflect a lack of effectiveness or relevance but rather that this concept is disaggregated from the main set of tools, which affects its representation in the graph. This suggests that, although BioTRIZ is highly valued for its potential and applicability, it still needs to be more fully integrated into the general framework of biologically inspired tools to maximize its impact and accessibility in engineering practice and other related fields. The results obtained reflect, from a general perspective, that the total percentage values related to publications dedicated to the application of biomimicry correspond to 70% for methodologies and 30% for tools. These percentage values are graphically shown in Figure 3 (left). However, within the published methodologies, 19% of the total is dedicated to TRIZ, as can be seen in Figure 3 (left). On the other hand, the results obtained, classified by the area of application (Figure 3, right), show a significant amount of knowledge related to “biodesign,” with a categorical percentage result of 54%. This finding suggests that biodesign occupies a prominent position in research and practical application, being a priority area of interest in the search for sustainable and innovative solutions. Additionally, other areas of application such as robotics, architecture, materials, and urban planning have values of 21%, 11%, 10%, and 4%, respectively. These data indicate a diversity of fields that are also being explored and developed in the context of biomimicry and the application of nature-inspired principles (Ahamed et al. 2022; Hermanus and Campbell 2017; Clegg et al. 2019; Trudeau 2013; Pfeifer et al. 2007). Likewise, as shown in Figure 4, all the results obtained can be observed through a bar chart, according to their nature. This chart provides a clear and concise visual representation of the distribution of knowledge in these specific areas, once again highlighting the importance and applicability of biodesign as the dominant approach in biomimetic research. There is a certain trend toward publications related to the field of biodesign in the early twenty-first century, indicating an early and growing interest in this research area. It is not until the mid-2000s that more relevant knowledge on tools and methodologies within this subject begins to emerge, suggesting a progressive advancement in the understanding and application of biomimetic principles (emulate nature, reconnect, and ethos. From the 2010s onward, more consolidated publications on architecture, urban planning, and robotics appear, indicating an expansion and diversification of the field of study into interdisciplinary areas. The development of case studies over time, such as the design of stadiums without any obstruction for columns based on bird nests or the design of beetle-based greenhouses to combat climate change in an arid climate (Othmani et al. 2022), is notable, indicating an increasing interest in biomimetic research and motivating an increase in the number of reviews conducted for each category. Figure 3: Biomimetic Tools and Methodologies (left); Application Areas (right) The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 Figure 4: Results obtained in the research Analysis of Biomimetic Tools and Methodologies Biomimicry, as a field of knowledge, has a series of tools and methodologies that facilitate its understanding and application. These tools and methodologies allow for the identification of possible patterns, principles, and biological strategies that can be applied to design and develop innovative and sustainable solutions capable of addressing a wide range of technological, social, and environmental challenges. In the early phases of the project, creative thinking can be stimulated and guided using the Biomimicry Design Spiral, which is presented as the most accessible and easy-to-apply methodology, in conjunction with the Biomimicry Taxonomy (Biomimicry Institute 2008). Similarly, in the field of engineering, the BioTRIZ tool (Bogatyrev and Bogatyreva 2015; Mayda and Borklu 2014) may be of interesting applicability. BioTRIZ is a variant of TRIZ, a methodology for problem-solving in engineering. However, unlike conventional TRIZ, BioTRIZ incorporates a bioinspired approach, making it particularly suitable for generating innovative solutions inspired by the principles and processes inherent in nature. This tool, based on a contradiction matrix, provides a systematic structure to identify and solve problems efficiently, leveraging the richness of biological knowledge to maximize an optimal design outcome. Conducting a detailed study of the methodological approach based on the Biomimetic Design Spiral reveals that the success of its application relies on fully defining the design challenge, taking into account its specific context or the use of the technological solution. Once the challenge is identified, the stage of “biologizing” begins, which involves considering how nature performs the desired function and subsequently discovering the most suitable biological models. It is essential to ask rhetorical questions that explore how nature solves problems similar to the one being addressed. For example, if a filtration system designed to work in a marine environment is desired, a relevant question might be: How does nature distribute resources? Subsequently, with the help of the Biomimicry Taxonomy from the Biomimicry Institute, one can access a classification of available biological strategies that can serve as a basis or source of inspiration for the solution, depending on the required function. In the “discover” phase, the AskNature resource (Biomimicry Institute 2023) can be used, offering an extensive, filterable database of biological strategies according to the selected function type, always considering the context in which the solution will be developed. Additionally, it is especially important to adopt a systemic vision that analyzes the possible interactions, relationships, and boundaries of the system—for The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 example, the filaments incorporated by the baleen whale in its mouth that act as a filter during food intake (Hoff Mary 2021); the basking shark with deep grooves arranged between each gill arch that allow part of the fluid to swirl in that area, preventing possible obstructions (AskNature Team 2017); or the giant manta ray that has a grouping of lobes, formally similar to a leaf, where particles bounce away from the filter through the complex flow of current generated (Ralevski 2020). In the “emulation” phase, the patterns and relationships of the selected strategies are analyzed; a mind map can be practical in this case. Lastly, in the “evaluation” phase, the design’s suitability, feasibility, and associated business model are considered, with the checklist provided by the Biomimicry Institute (Biomimicry Institute 2017) serving as a useful guide in this regard. On the other hand, it has been decided to develop the BioTRIZ tool in greater depth due to its special usefulness in fostering individual and collective creativity and effectively solving complex challenges in the field of engineering (Bogatyrev and Bogatyreva 2015). The fundamental principles it is based on include the use of biological analogies and the resolution of contradictions. In this way, it is possible to identify the strategies available in nature that best adapt to optimally address the existing problem. However, all of this requires a central element that allows for filtering possible solution alternatives through the resolution of contradictions. Its main objective is to ensure that the improvement of one element of the overall system does not lead to the degradation of another part. In other words, the goal is to generate innovative solutions that avoid undesirable compromises by identifying and overcoming inherent contradictions (Vincent et al. 2006). Thus, effective and sustainable alternatives are achieved, enriching the traditional TRIZ methodology, which is solely based on the analysis of patents and technological innovations, and additionally ensuring the application of a predominantly holistic approach to the solution with this new perspective. The structure of the BioTRIZ matrix includes a series of biological parameters that adapt to nature and are directly related to aspects such as energy efficiency, resistance, and resource use, among others. These parameters are associated with the following fundamental fields (Vincent et al. 2006):  Substance: mass of moving object, mass of stationary object, deficit of substance, and strength.  Space: length of moving object, length of stationary object, area of moving object, area of stationary object, volume of moving object, volume of stationary object, and shape.  Time: speed, action of moving object, action duration of stationary object, deficit of time, and productivity.  Field or energy: force, stress or pressure, temperature, illumination, use of energy by moving object, use of energy by stationary object, power, and dissipation of energy.  Structure: stability of object composition, precision of action, ease of action, and complexity.  Information and regulation: deficit of information, reliability, measurement precision, object-affected harmful factors, object-generated harmful factors, convenience of use, ease of repair, adaptability or versatility, detecting and measuring, and extent of automation. All of them are positioned in the matrix so that a specific number is assigned to each related cell, associated with the biological principle that best fits the solution alternative (Table 1). The selection is made based on the field to be improved (rows of the matrix) and the parameters that worsen (columns of the matrix). To better understand its application, an example is proposed. The design challenge is to minimize marine biofouling of a floating object in this environment. In this case study, the parameter to improve is the structure, as this phenomenon causes its deterioration. Once this point The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175 Imperial. 2024. “Centre for Bio-Inspired Technology”. Accessed May 9, 2024. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/bio-inspired-technology/. ISO (International Organization for Standardization). 2015. 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ABOUT THE AUTHORS Teresa Aguilar-Planet: Research Assistant, Department of Design Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Seville, Seville, Andalucía, Spain Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected] Alberto Picardo: Adjunct Professor, Department of Design Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Seville, Seville, Andalucía, Spain Email: [email protected] Juan-Francisco Fernández-Rodríguez: Assistant Professor, Department of Design Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Seville, Seville, Andalucía, Spain Email: [email protected] Amanda Martín-Mariscal: Assistant Professor, Department of Design Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Seville, Seville, Andalucía, Spain Email: [email protected] Estela Peralta: Associate Professor, Department of Design Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Seville, Seville, Andalucía, Spain Email: [email protected] The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice ISSN: 2325-162X (Print), ISSN: 2325-1638 (Online) Volume 19, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-162X/CGP/v19i01/155-175