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Here is an example showing how AskNature expresses a strategy and a related function within
the Biomimicry Taxonomy. In the taxonomy, functions are organized in a nested hierarchy. The top
level, “Group,” represents a broad function performed in nature, the second level a “Sub-Group”
of functions, and the third level a specific “Function.” In total, the taxonomy features eight groups
comprised of 30 sub-groups that contain more than 160 functions.
AskNature offers two ways for you to ask questions of nature: Search and Explore. Using the Search bar
on the home page, you can ask questions like those posed above, for example: “How does nature stay
dry?” Clicking on the Explore button enables you to quickly find strategies by function using a table of
contents organized by the Biomimicry Taxonomy.
Innovation Challenge: You’re designing a building in an area of low rainfall. To ensure an adequate
water supply, you want your building to capture rainwater and store it for future use.
Approach #1: Identify verbs that directly define your challenge. Use the Biomimicry Taxonomy for
ideas that help you shift from predetermined thoughts of how or what you’ll design to why you’re
designing (in other words, your design’s purpose or the outcomes it must accomplish). Use verbs that
describe functions (such as: move, break down, distribute, etc.). In this example, the questions you
pose might be: How does nature…
• Capture water?
• Store water?
Approach #2: Consider concepts that go beyond your exact challenge but are related enough to why
you’re designing that they may have similar solutions. In this example, you may consider that some
organisms (like the Namib beetle) live in areas that experience little to no rain, yet they still get all of
the water they need. Use the Biomimicry Taxonomy to spark ideas of new verbs, and also think about
related nouns or synonyms. In this example, questions to pose might include: How does nature…
• Absorb water?
• Capture fog?
• Manage humidity?
• Move water?
Approach #3: Turn your question completely around. Instead of asking how nature stores water, think
about how it protects against excess water or keeps water out. Although counterintuitive, sometimes
asking the opposite of your original question can provide new insights to your real challenge. The
Biomimicry Taxonomy is a great resource for ideas of verbs that represent opposites. In this example,
you might ask: How does nature…
• Remove water?
• Stay dry?
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