Biomimicry

List of journal publications in these areas

List of international conferences according to areas of research is here.

Bioinspired design approaches to support product packaging

Packaging faces challenges in protecting, communicating, and containing goods due to evolving product complexity, customer demands, regulations, and market dynamics. Nature offers solutions through its evolutionary designs, like coconuts’ impact-resistant shells, inspiring bioinspired packaging innovations. This approach promises sustainability, reduced material costs, energy efficiency, waste elimination, and improved brand value. However, significant gaps remain in tools, methodologies, and biological knowledge representation, limiting the design of nature-inspired packaging.

The research aimed to develop frameworks, methodologies, and tools to support bioinspired packaging design. The first objective focused on understanding biomimicry and bioinspired packaging, creating frameworks like the concept map and the 6W framework for detailed biological knowledge representation. These tools support designers in understanding biological entities and generating solutions.

The second objective introduced a computational tool that gathers biological data (text, images, videos) to help designers generate bioinspired solutions. This tool was tested with designers, showing its utility in addressing packaging problems effectively.

In the third objective, an empirical study evaluated the effectiveness of biological analogies in ideation, measuring quality, quantity, variety, and novelty. Results showed that providing diverse biological entities increased solution variety.

The fourth objective explored generating multiple solutions from single biological analogies using a solution-based approach. Frameworks and methodologies were developed, enabling designers to extract principles from biological systems and apply them to diverse packaging concepts.

The fifth objective examined the emotional impact of bioinspired packaging. A computational tool was developed to integrate emotions evoked by biological entities into packaging design. Experiments confirmed that bioinspired packaging can elicit emotions, enhancing consumer engagement.

This research offers comprehensive tools and methodologies for bioinspired packaging design, enabling designers without specialized expertise to create sustainable, functional, and emotionally engaging packaging solutions.