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Biomimetics
Special Issues
Biologically-Inspired Product Development
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Biologically-Inspired Product Development

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2026 | Viewed by 3885

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xinhui Kang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Design, Architecture and Design College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: emotional design; ecological design; interactive design; artificial intelligence design; sensory engineering
Prof. Dr. Min Qu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Industrial Department of Industrial Design, Architecture and Design College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: biomimetic design; service design; design psychology; introduction to design
Prof. Dr. Marc Weissburg

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
Interests: biologically inspired design; mechanisms of information acquisition for fluid mechanical and chemical signals by animals; the consequences of perceptual abilities for populations and communities; biosensing; ecological systems analysis as applied to human infrastructure; industrial ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biologically inspired product development is increasingly recognized as a frontier in sustainable and intelligent design. This Special Issue shifts focus to one of the most challenging and underexplored stages in the bionic design pipeline: the generation of product concepts inspired by biological systems. Nature offers a vast repository of functional strategies, structural efficiencies, and adaptive behaviors. However, translating these biological insights into meaningful design concepts—especially in the context of industrial product development—is fraught with challenges. These challenges include identifying relevant biological model systems from an overwhelming diversity of life forms; understanding and abstracting biological principles into transferable design language; bridging disciplinary gaps between biology and design thinking; generating design solutions that preserve the function–structure synergy of the biological source; and using computational or analogical tools to support concept ideation and evaluation.

This Special Issue focuses on the theory, methods, and case studies that reveal the intricacies of biologically inspired concept generation. Particular emphasis is placed on methodological frameworks that enable the mapping of biological functions to product-level concepts, as well as tools and strategies that support the creative transfer of insights from biology to design. We are especially interested in research that explores semantic and analogical reasoning approaches, along with computational tools—such as bio-semantic networks and generative algorithms—that facilitate ideation. Submissions may include case studies in product categories such as furniture, apparel, or packaging, which demonstrate the realization of novel bionic concepts.

We invite theoretical, experimental, and review contributions from product designers, biologists, cognitive scientists, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of nature and design. Special encouragement is given to works that investigate how biological intelligence can inspire the earliest stages of ideation, ultimately leading to innovative, sustainable, and emotionally resonant product concepts.

Dr. Xinhui Kang
Prof. Dr. Min Qu
Prof. Dr. Marc Weissburg
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biologically inspired design
  • bionic concept generation
  • biomimicry in product design
  • design-by-analogy
  • cross-disciplinary ideation
  • bio-semantic mapping
  • nature-inspired creativity

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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18 pages, 1843 KB  
Article
Integrating Biomimetic Reasoning Into Early-Stage Design Thinking for Sustainable Textile Development
by Nikitas Gerolimos, Kyriaki Kiskira, Emmanouela Sfyroera, Johannis Tsoumas, Vasileios Alevizos, Sofia Plakantonaki, Maria Foka and Georgios Priniotakis
Biomimetics 2026, 11(4), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11040238 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 481
Abstract
This study explores the potential of biomimetic reasoning to inform early-stage design thinking, with a focus on enhancing the consideration of material utilization and textile waste. While sustainability efforts within the field of textiles are often focused on recycling and end-of-life management strategies, [...] Read more.
This study explores the potential of biomimetic reasoning to inform early-stage design thinking, with a focus on enhancing the consideration of material utilization and textile waste. While sustainability efforts within the field of textiles are often focused on recycling and end-of-life management strategies, it is important to recognize that a substantial proportion of final waste-related outcomes are determined during the conceptual design stage and the initial prototyping iterations. This study investigates the potential of organizational principles derived from natural systems to inform the definition of problems, the generation of ideas, and early conceptual prototyping. This is achieved by the introduction of ecological constraints and material life-cycle awareness in conjunction with user-centered requirements. To address the conceptual gap between biological forms and manufacturing, biomimicry is approached as a mode of systemic reasoning, utilizing topological skeletonization as a tool for logic extraction rather than formal imitation, with emphasis placed on continuity, modularity, and adaptive organization. This computational proof-of-concept employs a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) framework, utilizing biological venation as a topological guide to demonstrate how distinct organizational logics influence pattern configuration while incorporating manufacturing-inspired constraints (such as path continuity and density) as optimization penalties. The findings are exploratory in nature and are confined to the computational domain; while the study utilizes proxy indicators to simulate potential textile behaviors, it acknowledges the lack of direct experimental validation of physical fabrication as a current limitation. By framing waste as an outcome of upstream design choices, this paper contributes a methodological perspective. This perspective places biomimetic design thinking as a reflective tool within sustainable and regenerative design practice. It also supports earlier engagement with ecological considerations in textile development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biologically-Inspired Product Development)
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22 pages, 5743 KB  
Article
The Advanced BioTRIZ Method Based on LTE and MPV
by Zhonghang Bai, Linyang Li, Yufan Hao and Xinxin Zhang
Biomimetics 2026, 11(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11010023 - 1 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 710
Abstract
While BioTRIZ is widely employed in biomimetic design to facilitate creative ideation and standardize workflows, accurately formulating domain conflicts and assessing design schemes during critical stages—such as initial concept development and scheme evaluation—remains a significant challenge. To address these issues, this study proposes [...] Read more.
While BioTRIZ is widely employed in biomimetic design to facilitate creative ideation and standardize workflows, accurately formulating domain conflicts and assessing design schemes during critical stages—such as initial concept development and scheme evaluation—remains a significant challenge. To address these issues, this study proposes an advanced BioTRIZ method. Firstly, the theory of technological evolution is integrated into the domain conflict identification stage, resulting in the development of a prompt framework based on patent analysis to guide large language models (LLMs) in verifying the laws of technological evolution (LTE). Building on these insights, domain conflicts encountered throughout the design process are formulated, and inventive principles with heuristic value, alongside standardized biological knowledge, are derived to generate conceptual solutions. Subsequently, a main parameter of value (MPV) model is constructed through mining user review data, and the evaluation of conceptual designs is systematically performed via the integration of orthogonal design and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to identify the optimal combination of component solutions. The optimization case study of a floor scrubber, along with the corresponding experimental results, demonstrates the efficacy and advancement of the proposed method. This study aims to reduce the operational difficulty associated with implementing BioTRIZ in product development processes, while simultaneously enhancing its accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biologically-Inspired Product Development)
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11 pages, 1206 KB  
Article
Designing Biomimetic Learning Environments for Animal Welfare Education: A Gamified Approach
by Ebru Emsen, Bahadir Baran Odevci, Muzeyyen Kutluca Korkmaz, Fatma Alshamsi and Alyaziya Alkaabi
Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110769 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 813
Abstract
Animal welfare education requires pedagogical models that bridge conceptual knowledge with practice. This study presents GamifyWELL, a biomimetic, gamified learning environment for students, farmers, and veterinary technicians. Grounded in ecological principles of adaptation, diversification, and niche specialization, the design emulates how living systems [...] Read more.
Animal welfare education requires pedagogical models that bridge conceptual knowledge with practice. This study presents GamifyWELL, a biomimetic, gamified learning environment for students, farmers, and veterinary technicians. Grounded in ecological principles of adaptation, diversification, and niche specialization, the design emulates how living systems evolve through feedback and cooperation. These principles were translated into an instructional model that integrates a core pathway (Pre-Test, Levels 1–4, Post-Test) with optional enrichment tasks and a role-specific Reward Marketplace. Question formats are constant across levels (MCQ, image-based, video-based) while cognitive difficulty increases, culminating in Positive Welfare scenarios. We describe the learning design structure and report preliminary implementation observations using a mixed-methods evaluation plan (pre/post knowledge assessments and engagement indicators). Results from early deployment indicate strong usability and engagement, with high voluntary uptake of enrichment tasks and positive learner feedback on role-tailored rewards; full empirical testing is in progress. Findings support the feasibility and pedagogical promise of biomimetic gamification to enhance knowledge, motivation, and intended practice in animal welfare education. GamifyWELL offers a replicable framework for nature-inspired instructional design that can be extended to allied sustainability domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biologically-Inspired Product Development)
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26 pages, 4887 KB  
Article
Quantitative Assessment of CFD-Based Micro-Scale Renovation of Existing Building Component Envelopes
by Yan Pan, Lin Zhong and Jin Xu
Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110733 - 1 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818
Abstract
With the acceleration of urbanization, environmental degradation is increasingly restricting the improvement of residents’ quality of life, and promoting the transformation of old communities has become a key path for sustainable urban development. However, existing buildings generally face challenges, such as the deterioration [...] Read more.
With the acceleration of urbanization, environmental degradation is increasingly restricting the improvement of residents’ quality of life, and promoting the transformation of old communities has become a key path for sustainable urban development. However, existing buildings generally face challenges, such as the deterioration of the performance of the envelope structure and the rising energy consumption of the air conditioning system, which pose a serious test for the realization of green renovation. Inspired by the application of bionics in the field of architecture, this study innovatively designed five types of bionic envelope structures for outdoor air conditioning units, namely scales, honeycombs, spider webs, leaves, and bird nests, based on the aerodynamic characteristics of biological prototypes. The ventilation performance of these structures was evaluated at three scales—namely, single building, townhouse, and community—under natural ventilation conditions, using a CFD simulation system. The study shows the following: (1) the spider web structure has the best comprehensive performance among all types of enclosures, which can significantly improve the uniformity of the flow field and effectively eliminate the low-speed stagnation area on the windward side; (2) the structure reorganizes the flow structure of the near-wall area through the cutting and diversion of the porous grid, reduces the wake range, and weakens the negative pressure intensity, making the pressure distribution around the building more balanced; (3) in the height range of 1.5–27 m, the spider web structure performs particularly well at the townhouse and community scales, with an average wind speed increase of 1.1–1.4%; and (4) the design takes into account both the safety of the enclosure and the comfort of the pedestrian area, achieving a synergistic optimization of function and performance. This study provides new ideas for the micro-renewal of buildings, based on bionic principles, and has theoretical and practical value for improving the wind environment quality of old communities and promoting low-carbon urban development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biologically-Inspired Product Development)
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