Abstract

GRAPHIC DESIGN + BIOMIMICRY: Integrating Nature into Modern Design Practices is a thesis that explores how to effectively integrate the methodologies and principles of graphic design and biomimicry. The objective is to create an innovative design process resulting in successful, sustainable and timeless design solutions. This process is meant to remind designers of the benefits nature has to offer in helping us solve many of the problems that society is currently grappling with today. Nature over 3.8 billion years has already used its imaginative prowess to find what works, what is appropriate, and most importantly, what lasts here on Earth. The final print application acts as a resource guidebook cataloging all of the research, processes, and findings throughout the documentation of this thesis. This includes the indirect method; applying nature's fourteen design principles with the fourteen universal design principles and elements, as well as the direct method of the biomimetic design process; applying the six stages: (1) Defining, (2) Analyzing, (3) Observing, (4) Selecting, (5) Implementing, and (6) Evaluating. Each chapter within the resource guidebook is defined by each stage in the graphic design + biomimicry process. Informational charts, diagrams, text and photographs are also included throughout to enhance user comprehension of the subject matter that is presented. Overall, this thesis is meant to encourage designers to think differently, forcing themselves to innovate, experiment, push and adapt their designs further than ever before. The objective at hand is to create good design that also has the potential to do good, for the world and everything that encompasses it. We are on the cusp of great change: will designers curl up at the thought of this or embrace this new mode of thinking and biomimetic mindset to help shape a positive future for design, people, and most importantly, our planet?

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Graphic arts--Philosophy; Biomimicry

Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CIAS)

Advisor

Frear, Lorrie

Advisor/Committee Member

Owen, Josh

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: NC997 .M35 2012

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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