On December 3, 2024, softgoods design expert and thought leader Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman delivered an engaging lecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology titled Bio-Inspired Design. Hosted by the School of Biological Sciences, the talk was part of an ongoing effort to introduce students and faculty to cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of nature, innovation, and design.

In her Bio Inspired Design lecture, Pailes-Friedman introduced the foundational concepts of bio-inspired design and biomimicry, showing how nature’s time-tested strategies can be translated into creative, sustainable solutions. Drawing on her extensive background in wearable technology, softgoods, and industrial design, she demonstrated how natural forms, functions, and systems can inspire the development of innovative products and materials across industries.

Using real-world examples from her own design practice and current case studies, she illustrated how designers can look to biology for functional insights—studying everything from the aerodynamics of bird wings to the adhesive power of gecko feet—to solve complex human-centered challenges. She emphasized the importance of observation, abstraction, and application in the bio-design process, encouraging students to move beyond conventional methods and adopt a more holistic design mindset.

The lecture also highlighted biomimicry’s role as a framework for sustainable innovation. As environmental and climate concerns continue to shape the future of design and technology, nature offers a powerful model for smart, responsible development.

The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, with students raising thoughtful questions around ethics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application.

Pailes-Friedman’s presentation left the Georgia Tech community energized and inspired, offering a fresh perspective on how nature’s intelligence can help shape the future of design.