Biomimicry Basics

How To Innovate Using Nature's Strategies


If you take this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe what biomimicry is and how it relates to other forms of bio-inspired design
  • Use the Biomimicry for Design methodology (the Biomimicry Design Spiral) for technical and non- technical design challenges
  • Articulate why biomimicry is valuable for your organization
  • Integrate biomimicry into your design process or innovation pathway

Content and Overview

The first part of the course is an overview of the what, why, and how of biomimicry and the Biomimicry Design Spiral.

The core of the course shows you how to use the 6 steps of Biomimicry Design Spiral: Identify, Translate, Discover, Abstract, Emulate, and Evaluate. Here you will learn how to apply biomimicry to real design challenges. You can work on your own challenge, or just follow along with the examples provided.

For each step in the spiral, you will:

  • Learn how to execute the step
  • See how the step is used in an example
  • Receive tips I've picked up from years of working in the field
  • Discover the unique benefits of using each step individually, so you can generate value from biomimicry even outside the spiral design process

You're also given two additional examples to give you a good sense of how the Biomimicry Design Spiral can be used for both technical and non-technical applications.

The last section of the course covers where biomimicry fits in a design process or 'innovation pathway'. We close the course with a practical look at how and where you can best bring the concepts and benefits of biomimicry into your organization.


Contact Denise for course package options that include personalized feedback, team discounts, and live project-based collaborative design sessions!


Your Instructor


Denise DeLuca
Denise DeLuca

Denise DeLuca is an independent consultant and the founder of Wild Hazel.

She is an adjunct faculty and the former Director of MCAD’s MA in Sustainable Design program, and an adjunct faculty in MCAD's MA in Creative Leadership program. She was co-founder of BCI: Biomimicry Creative for Innovation, a network of creative professional change agents driving ecological thinking for radical transformation. Denise is author of the book Re-Aligning with Nature: Ecological Thinking for Radical Transformation. She also teaches with the Amani Institute.

Denise’s previous roles include Education Director for the International Living Future Institute, Project Manager for Swedish Biomimetics 3000, and Outreach Director for The Biomimicry Institute. Denise is a licensed civil engineer (PE) and holds a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering with a focus on modeling landscape-scale surface and groundwater interactions. In addition, Denise is a Biomimicry Fellow and a member of the Advisory Council of The Biomimicry Institute, Board Member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), on the editorial board of the Journal of Bionic Engineering, and an Expert with Katerva. Denise is starting a new venture called Wild Hazel that supports individuals to live into the inspiration, creativity, and wisdom of their own Natural Paradigm. Denise is based in Oregon.

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Course Curriculum


  Course Overview
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  HOW: How is biomimicry applied to design challenges?
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  EXAMPLE: Applying Biomimicry to a non-technical design challenge
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  WHERE: Where does biomimicry fit in the innovation pathway?
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  Course Completion
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"Just completed the on-line course Biomimicry Basics: How to Innovate using Nature’s Strategies and my brain is tingling with new ideas and thoughts. Not only was the course a great learning tool it is also now a go-to reference document for Biomimicry. Regardless of your level of Biomimicry knowledge, this course is one you will want to take. Hands-down this was the best course on Biomimicry I have seen to date.”

- Joe Savalle, Head of Global Idea Gen, Innovation Training & Awareness | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

"Biomimicry is one of the most exciting design and problem solving disciplines that I've ever come across, and there are precious few practical programmes to take students, managers, entrepreneurs, leaders or anyone else through its basic principles. Denise DeLuca's experience of applying biomimicry to real-world examples shines through, and I'd highly recommend this programme. Although I've been working in this field for years, I've learned something with every step that I've looked at. Enjoy, learn and see both nature and complex challenges in a fresh way."

- Andy Middleton , Founder Director, The TYF Group

"This is a great course for anyone looking for a practical introduction to biomimicry. It goes beyond pure inspiration and case studies to provide real guidance on applying biomimicry as a design process. Denise's experience working with innovators and businesses in diverse settings also really shines in the advice and tips she offers to help newcomers to this exciting field."

- Gretchen Hooker, Project Manager, The Biomimicry Institute

"This course was excellent, the explanations were very well presented and clear, the examples used in the course helped me visualise how I can use the tools and process in my everyday work. The links provided are very helpful in allowing me to seek out more specific information when I need it. The actual lessons are well divided, well ordered and build upon one another nicely. I had been looking for more information on Biomimicry that was simpler than reading several books and this provided just what I wanted to give me enough to try it out. I am sure I will be refering back from time to time to reinforce the learning."

- Jan Rideout, Technical Director at British Gypsum

"This is an excellent intro to Biomimicry - very thorough and well explained. I especially love the use of a non-technical example, which distinguishes it from a lot of other biomimicry materials. Though the technical example is good too. Very thoughtfully and helpfully put together. I learned a lot!

- Roshan Paul, President, The Amani Institute

"Biomimicry Basics is very informative and well presented. I like Denise’s pace and clear explanations. Her touch of humor and relaxed side comments are enjoyable and make the online experience less a “ formal lecture”. Looking through the lens of life’s core strategies is a key component in the process. In addition to producing radical innovations, it produces designs that are sustainable and life affirming for all beings. This I can totally get behind!"

- JoAnn Fjellman, Strategic Partner / Program Designer / Facilitator / Experiential EducatorCo-Founder

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Are team or company discounts available?
Yes! If your company or team would like several people to take the course, please contact Denise for available discounts.
Is personal feedback available?
Yes! If you want personal feedback -- especially if you want to take your own project through the course -- please contact Denise for options.
Can my team get live support after we finish the course?
Yes! Please contact Denise for course package options that include personal feedback and live project-based collaborative design sessions.

Get started now!