Since today is the 39th celebration of Earth Day, I figured it is a good time to look at an earth friendly problem solving technique: Biomimicry. Problem solving is such an important part of our daily life that we sometimes fail to consider how we actually go about the task of solving our problems. We get locked into a mindset and limit our options. At work, most teams consider only a few of the many options that are available when they are working through the problem solving and decision making process.

The best problem solving involves breaking free of the normal thought limitations that tend to frame our problem solving process. Jane Benyus, a biomimicry design consultant, has made a business out of challenging this conventional process. She is the author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, and she works with companies to guide them in their problem solving and product design process. Check out her video Twelve Sustainable Design Ideas from Nature.

Biomimicry is basically the process of borrowing nature’s design ideas and applying them to the problem solving process.  Problem solving is primarily about asking the right questions. When looking to nature you might ask such things as: “Has a similar problem existed in nature and how was the problem solved?”  or “Does a similar process  or design exist in nature and how can we adapt it to our situation?”

This kind of problem solving can bring unique and creative results. Of course it is not possible to use this methodology with all problems, but this kind of “outside the norm thinking” should be at the heart of every problem solving process.

Perhaps the most popular product resulting from biomimicry is Velcro.  But there are extraordinary things happening today that call upon the unique designs of nature.  For example, scientists are testing a synthetic  glue product that can repair human bones. The glue mimics the glue-like substance used by sandcastle worms to construct their tube-shaped underwater homes. If you like this kind of stuff, check out The 15 Coolest Cases of Biomimicry or Biomimicry News for articles that will challenge your thinking.

Remember, problem solving gives us our best results when we challenge our basic assumptions and expand our thinking. Have fun!

Happy Earth Day 2009!

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