The natural world is an extraordinary and underutilised source of inspiration, methods and strategies for sustainable business models. By taking cues from other species, we learn new ways of developing self-sufficient processes, which add to the vitality and resilience of the larger ecosystem. This course is designed to help participants develop applicable knowledge through a life-centred toolkit that will inspire and support innovative organisational structures, collaborative teamwork, and communication. 

If you are interested in learning new tools and collaborative techniques, this course will provide a place for experimentation, discussion and a new approach to your work. By using examples of biological networks (e.g. swarm intelligence ) as a catalyst, this hands-on course will help identify the internal needs of an organisation all the way to conceptualising how new strategies could be deployed. 

Prerequisites

Students might work in design, sustainability, business, science or engineering, but this course is open to all. Students should have an appreciation for the natural world, and a willingness to get up close to non-human life forms.

How you’ll learn

You will do research through observation before prototyping and testing ideas. Along the way you’ll learn practical tools, including synthesis, rapid ideation, and experience prototyping techniques. Lectures are immediately followed by direct hands-on activities with individual and group coaching along the way. This workshop will be studio-based with a number of activities taking place outdoors in the natural world.

‍What you’ll learn‍

• The fundamentals of bioinspired design from a functional point of view
• How to infuse wisdom from the natural world into business 
• How to observe other species and identify opportunities in their actions
• A new vocabulary around design and metaphor
• Engaging new ways to present and communicate your ideas

What to bring

• iPhone or Tablet 
• Laptop Computer