Why the notion of biodesign has to change? A theoretical-practical approach

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Marco Vinicio Ferruzca Navarro
Sergio Davila Urrutia

Abstract

This article presents an exploratory experience aimed at dimensioning the notion of biodesign to strengthen the training of future industrial designers and generate methodological bases to design with biotechnology. We frequently hear the concepts of biodesign and bionics to indicate the application of biological principles in a project. Some courses could address this issue even within the curricula of various degrees in industrial design. However, more should be discussed about biotechnology and its implications, with biodesign in particular and design in a more general scenario. In this context, the following question arises: What notion of biodesign is the one that should permeate today? A theoretical investigation was executed, as well as a methodological approach, which explores the relationship between biotechnology and design through a theoretical framework and the development of several end-of-career projects by industrial design students. The results obtained exemplify an alternative perspective to the exercise of biodesign, which is not necessarily simplified to the application of a biomaterial or the rescue of organic waste, but, on the contrary, can represent the proposal of a new sociotechnical system that impacts the user, the community or even society as a whole.

Article Details

Author Biographies

Marco Vinicio Ferruzca Navarro, Azcapotzalco Unit, Sciences and Arts for Design, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Marco V. Ferruzca is Research Professor at UAM-Azcapotzalco, where he has held various management positions. He has a degree in Industrial Design and a Doctorate in Multimedia Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña. He is a member of the National System of Researchers of the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico. Marco has more than 15 years of professional and research experience in multimedia space design, development, and exploitation. He has published investigative articles in different national and international media. His research activity focuses on the design and innovation of products and services.

Sergio Davila Urrutia, Azcapotzalco Unit, Sciences and Arts for Design, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Sergio Davila is an industrial designer and researcher interested in behavioral changes triggered by design. He studied for his bachelor's degree in Mexico and a master's degree in combination Finland and the Netherlands. His design research seeks to enhance designers' creative potential to create a change in social behaviors. Through methodologies and convictions from transition tools and biodesign theory, he invites students and collaborators to design strategies for planetary evolution.

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