Design Redefined Series 1-5

Date: January 26, 2022

Pinnguaq

About the author

Working alongside rural, remote, Indigeous, and other communities, Pinnguaq delivers programs to cultivate STEAM skills through innovative technology, art, and play.

The Design Redefined Video Series is an engaging resource for learning about biomimicry, the act of using designs found in nature and animals to inspire man-made technologies and innovations. Each video explores a different design found in nature or animals and provides examples of how scientists seek to replicate the engineering in modern innovations around the world. Most videos also include a visual explanation of the mechanics behind each design element to show how modern technology can learn from nature.

• Part 1: Introduction
  • Part 1 explores what viewers can expect from the Design Redefined series, what biomimicry is, and why we replicate design found in nature into modern technology.
• Part 2: Humpback Whales
  • Part 2 explores the design of a humpback whale’s flipper, which is the secret behind their graceful and agile swimming. Viewers will also learn how scientists can replicate that same design in airplanes, underwater vehicles, and wind turbines.
• Part 3: Seahorse Tails
  • Part 3 explores the design of the seahorse tail and how, despite being unusual, their tale provides greater flexibility when moving. Viewers will also learn how scientists can replicate that same design in robotic arms to help with everything from underwater exploration to life-saving search-and-rescue operations.
• Part 4: Shark Skin
  • Part 4 explores the design of shark skin and how it helps the shark function as efficiently as a swimmer and a predator and how the design can help our world become safer and stronger. Viewers will also learn about the current health and safety needs when it comes to antibacterial surfaces and how technology can protect us from bacteria we can’t even see.
• Part 5: Morpho Butterfly Wings
  • Part 5 explores the design of the wings of the blue morpho butterfly and how light reflection alters their appearance to the eye of the viewer. Scientists can use this design to make household products safer, including paint and makeup. Viewers will also learn how designs involving structural colour and iridescence use light to their advantage and how our technology can do the same.