2015-7 Hoeller: BID

INCOSE NSWG Community of Practice Webinar

Friday, October 30, 2015

A Systems View of Bioinspiration: Bridging the Gaps

Norbert Hoeller

Founder and Principal, Sustainable Innovation Network

Abstract

This presentation provides an overview of biom* (encompassing biomimicry, biomimetics and bio-inspired design), discusses the implications of adopting a systems perspective, explores models from other fields that combine research with practice, and proposes strategies for further development. The goal is to improve the ability of biom* to deliver meaningful and impactful solutions through synergy between aspiration, our growing knowledge of natural systems, and the market economy.

A bridging model is proposed—and discussed from three perspectives: structural bridging, behavioral bridging, and functional role bridging. Implications for systems engineering are discussed. References are provided.

Biography

After an extensive career in Information Technology, at IBM, Norbert Hoeller founded the design research and consulting practice Sustainable Innovation Network. His primary areas of interest are tools and methods supporting systems-oriented, bio-inspired sustainable design. Norbert has taught biomimicry and sustainability workshops at OCAD University, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, the Design Exchange, Ryerson University, the Nexus Student Sustainability Group (Auckland, New Zealand), Advanced Design and Manufacturing Institute (ADMI) and the University of Toronto. He is a director of BioDreamMachine (http://biodreammachine.org/), the founder and practice leader of the Bio-Inspired Design Community (http://bioinspired.sinet.ca/), a co-editor of the Zygote Quarterly Journal (http://zqjournal.org/) and chair of the Canadian mirror committee for ISO’s Technical Committee #266 on “Biomimetics.”

INCOSE Natural Systems Working Group (NSWG)

Chair: Curt McNamara — Co-chair: George Studor

https://sites.google.com/site/incosenswg nswg-info@incose.org