Design is the Problem by Nathan Shedroff
I think we do look at nature for a lot of solutions and inspiration in the ‘human world’. There is much left to observe and understand. There is a philosophical term called qualia that means we as humans are unable to take an animal form because it is physically impossible to feel the same emotions and expressions of going about being a certain animal.
“Biomimicry teaches us to evaluate design solutions by comparing them with nature’s principles and processes.”
Experimentation:
During class, we experimented by following one of the examples which was the Chitosan 12% – Still Behavior. It consisted of:
-water 100 ml
-vinegar 10 ml
-chitosan 12 grams
-glycerol 2.5 grams
We were tasked with mixing all of the components together in a blender and then after we noticed the mixture began to get thicker, we put it into a mold so that it can take its final form.
For my Final Proposal:
I want to attempt to recreate a material out of styrofoam. I noticed there was so much styrofoam the day that we did a beach clean up that I want to focus my attention on a solution on the issue of waimai boxes, taobao waste, and other polyesters.
I want to create legos for kids and for adults out of this material so that it can be used to create an even bigger picture of collaboration. Lego is one of the few large companies that are completely sustainable and will run 100% ethically by 2030. Here is their website.
Creating these legos will already be an accomplishment, but maybe I can distribute them to children around Shanghai and see how they play with them. Then gain some more user testing from documenting those kids and how they play with the legos.
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