organic shapes Key areas for research During this task the research is going to focus on the following aspects: trendy Welsh craft companies and product analysis. innovative and inspiring designers. types of metals – especially mild steel

Organic One of the requirements of the task if that the design is based on an organic theme. What is meant by the term organic? Organic is usually a term used to describe something that is natural or found in nature. They are often considered to have softer curvier lines – similar to plants, landscapes and animals. Designers get inspiration by looking at natural forms or even imitating the way they look or function.

Ross Lovegrove is an internationally successful Welsh born designer who is very much influenced by organic forms in his work. Ty Nant water bottle This bottle, designed by Lovegrove clearly shows how he brings beautiful organic shapes into his design work. The bottle is acknowledged for its design flair - it look like a twist of running water, it can also be crushed for more efficient disposal and is easier for children and the elderly to grasp than regular bottles. Ross Lovegrove

Can you think what the organic inspiration are for these products by Ross Lovegrove ?

Can you recognise the possible organic inspiration for these products already on the market? Analysing existing products Jim Carter – artist blacksmith

Can you recognise the possible organic inspiration for these products already on the market? Analysing existing products

Can you match the possible organic inspiration shown below to the products on the right?

Using organic shapes for inspiration Can you think of ideas from these inspiration sources

Collect some organic images and draw a few quick sketches of possible tea light/candle holders. Developing design ideas from plants

Research – nature as a source of inspiration ‘You Tube’ can be an interest site to use for research work – type in Nature Design and there is an interesting video on the work of leading designers who have developed ideas from nature.

Task - Can you recognise the natural inspiration for these products? Images from YouTube Dandelion clock? Rain water? Research – nature as a source of inspiration Seaweed? Any thoughts ?

Learning from nature’s design Biomimicry is the study of nature’s best ideas and how humans imitate them to enhance the products and processes we have, to help us solve problems and lead more efficient lives. Dieter Gürtler, a top engineer for ‘DaimlerChrysler’, was asked to design a new aerodynamic car. For inspiration he turned to nature … and looked at fish!! He discovered the boxfish was one of nature's most efficient movers, with excellent aerodynamics. When swimming around its home on coral reefs, the boxfish stops and starts and zigs zags with ease. It even has a reverse gear to back into small holes. It’s shape was imitated and this car was the engineers’ design outcome:

Other examples of Biomimicry A Swiss engineer walking his dog noticed how a burdock plant fixed on to his clothes. Looking at the seeds under the microscope he noticed that the seed had tiny hooks. Inspired by the seed dispersal method of the plant, the engineer invented a strong, ease to use and temporary fastening to replace laces and zips – Velcro. Barbed wire was designed to solve a problem of farm animals roaming about in the American west in the ninetieth century. A barrier based on a thorny hedge was the inspiration for this product. What product was inspired by a thorny bush? What product was inspired by the burdock?

Task – can you think of any other examples of where nature has inspired a design idea. Task – research the internet or books for as many examples of nature being the inspiration for design solutions. Produce a short PowerPoint presentation of your findings.