From Human Factors to Bionics
Bio-Design
Definition
Ergonomics / Human Factors
 an applied science concerned with the characteristics of
people that need to be considered in designing things
that they use in order that people and things will interact
most effectively and safely, called also human
engineering, human factors engineering
Bionics
 The science of biological functions and mechanisms as
analogous to electronics, using knowledge of human and
other animal systems to devise improvements in various
machines, especially computers.
Human Factors
Ergonomics / Human Factors
Human-factor is more than ergonomics
Physical human-factor (ergonomics) make
products safer, more comfortable
Cognitive human-factors – make products
easier to use, make less mistakes
Psychological human-factors – make the
use less awkward, more enjoyable
Extensive observation and experiment is
needed, costly but valuable
Physical Human Factors
Vistalab Ergonomic Pipette by Frog Design
OXO angled measuring cup
Universal Design
OXO Goodgrip Peeler
Handy Birdy by Tripod Design
U-Wing by Tripod Design
Physical Human Factors (Universal
Design)
Caterpillar control steering by IDEO
Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for F-35 by VSI
MARATHON CARPET EXTRACTOR
Cognitive Human Factors
Microsoft Media Player by Frog Design
Apple laptop docking system by IDEO
OXO leave in meat thermometer
Bionics
Bionics
 Bionics is the application of methods and systems found
in nature to the study and design of engineering systems
and modern technology
 It is a creativity technique that tries to use biological
prototypes to get ideas for engineering solutions. This
approach is motivated by the fact that biological
organisms and their organs have been well optimized by
evolution
 Examples of bionics in engineering include the hulls of
boats imitating the thick skin of dolphins; sonar, radar,
and medical ultrasound imaging imitating the
echolocation of bats; and the arch imitating the spinal
column
I'm only a translator of nature...
Luigi Colani
Luigi Colani and Bio-Design
Adapted from: http://www.colani.ch/frame.htm
Mechanical SLR Camera
Canon F-1, 1984
Colani’s Concept Camera
Canon camera concept by Luigi Colani 1986
Adapted from: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/design/kikaku/t90/index.html
Contemporary Design
Canon T90, 1986
Canon EOS300X, 2004
Leica V-LUX 1, 2006
Ross Lovegrove and Organic Design
Adapted from: Supernatural – The Work of Ross Lovegrove ISBN0714843679
Ceramic Sculptures by Miwa Koizumi
World 2 by Miwa Koizumi
A design may be called organic when there is an
harmonious connection of the parts within the whole,
according to structure, material and purpose. Within this
definition, there can be no vain ornamentation or
superfluity, but the part of beauty is none the less great
Eliot Noyes
Iconic Forms
Real Creatures
Imaginative Creatures
Iconographic Decoration
Discussion