10 Patterns & Phenomena in Nature That Solve Design Problems

Nature has perfected various design solutions, each with their own function. By studying natural patterns and design phenomena, we can create more efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions in fields like engineering, architecture, and technology (and more!).

This article explores 10 patterns or design phenomena found in nature, and how they have been applied in real-world designs through biomimicry. 

1. Fractals (Maximize Distribution & Surface Area)

Fractals are self-repeating patterns found throughout nature. These structures maximize efficiency and adaptability. For example, trees and blood vessels use fractal branching to optimize nutrient and oxygen distribution. Fern leaves and coral formations grow in fractal patterns to maximize surface area for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. In snowflakes and seashells, fractals contribute to structural integrity. 

Biomimicry Applications

• Antenna Design: Fractal-inspired antennas are used for maximum signal reception by various organisations, including NASA.
  
  
• Urban Planning: Some cities, like Rome, use fractal layouts to improve traffic flow.
  
  
• Solar Panels: Leaf-inspired fractal solar panels enhance energy absorption.

Also read: The Best Biomimicry Examples for Technology

2. Spirals (Growth and Efficiency in Space) 

Spirals are common in nature, appearing in shells, galaxies, hurricanes, and even DNA. These patterns optimize growth, strength, and energy efficiency. For example, snail shells and nautilus shells grow in logarithmic spirals, allowing for expansion without changing shape. Sunflowers and pinecones arrange seeds in spirals to maximize space and sunlight exposure.

Tornadoes and whirlpools use spiral dynamics to channel energy efficiently. In animals, spiral body structures, like a seahorse’s curled tail, provide grip and stability. By studying natural spirals, scientists and engineers develop innovations in robotics, aerodynamics, and sustainable design, enhancing efficiency and resilience in human-made systems.

Biomimicry Applications

• Wind Turbines: Designs making use of logarithmic spirals have shown to increase turbine efficiency 
  
  
• Architecture: The Gherkin building in London -  inspired by the venus flower basket, a sea bottom-dwelling filter feeder - uses a spatial arrangement of delicate materials such as glass to form a strong but flexible structure. 

Read more about biomimicry examples in architecture here.

• Composite Materials: The spiral structures found in the clubs of a mantis shrimp inspired Helicoid Technology to develop strong, durable and low-energy materials. 
  
  
• Industrial Mixing: The scientists at Pax Scientific have developed active tank mixing technology, which reduce the energy required for similar outputs by about 30%.

3.Hexagons (Maximum Strength with Minimum Material) 

Hexagons are a naturally efficient shape found in beehives, turtle shells, and snowflakes. This six-sided pattern allows for maximum strength and minimal material use. Bees build hexagonal honeycombs to store honey and larvae while using the least amount of wax. Insect eyes, like those of dragonflies, have hexagonal lenses for wide-angle vision.

Some fish scales and snake skin form hexagonal patterns for flexibility and protection. Engineers mimic hexagonal designs in materials, architecture, and technology to create strong, lightweight, and efficient structures.

Biomimicry Applications

• Aerospace Materials: Honeycomb sandwich panels are found throughout aeroplane components - from the fuselage and wings, to the ailerons and flaps.

You can read more about honeycombs and biomimicry here.

• Architecture: The Beijing National Stadium (the "Bird’s Nest") incorporates hexagonal patterns. See more examples of hexagonal design in architecture here.
  
  
• Robotics: Soft robotic skins mimic hexagonal muscle fibers for flexibility, and even sensory abilities.

4. Fluid & Aerodynamics (Fluid Flow & Energy Efficiency) 

Fluid and aerodynamics in nature help organisms move efficiently through air and water. Birds and fish have streamlined bodies to reduce drag, allowing for faster, energy-efficient movement. Shark skin has tiny ridges that minimize water resistance, inspiring swimwear and ship coatings.

Leaves and insect wings use aerodynamic shapes to control airflow for stability and lift. Even seeds, like maple samaras, use aerodynamic principles to glide on the wind. Engineers apply these natural strategies to improve transportation, energy efficiency, and design.

Biomimicry Applications

• Swimsuits: The now-banned suits designed by Speedo & NASA were inspired by sharks. During the 2008 Olympics, the US swimming team won 98% of all Olympic gold medals.
   
• High-Speed Trains: The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan mimics the beak of a kingfisher's aerodynamics.
  
  
• Building Ventilation: Zimbabwe's Eastgate Centre, deemed an icon of sustainable design, mimics the natural ventilation in termite mounds to maintain near-constant temperatures all year long, using less than 10% of the energy of conventional means. 

5. Branching (Optimal Distribution of Resources)

Branching is a common pattern in nature that maximizes efficiency in growth, transport, and resource distribution. Trees and plants use branching to spread leaves for optimal sunlight absorption. Blood vessels and lung bronchi branch to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients.

River systems and root networks use branching to distribute water and nutrients across large areas. Even neurons in the brain branch to enhance communication. Engineers and designers mimic branching structures to improve networks, fluid systems, and sustainable infrastructure designs.

Biomimicry Applications

• Transportation Networks: Many networks, such as some air traffic and road systems follow branching patterns.
  
  
• Built Environment: Strong by Form develops various wooden structural products and construction materials, inspired by the way trees grow. 
  
  
• Water Management: Water transport systems that mimic gravitational flow like that found in tree roots, are highly efficient. 
  
  
• Computer Coding: Mimicking branching patterns in coding is needed for programs to run correctly based on certain conditions determined by users.

6. Tessellations (Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space)

Tessellation in nature involves repeating geometric patterns that fit together without gaps, optimizing strength, efficiency, and space usage. Honeycomb structures in beehives use hexagonal tessellation to store honey with minimal wax. Snake scales and fish skin tessellate for flexibility and protection. Turtle shells and insect exoskeletons form interlocking plates for durability.

Even plant cells arrange in tessellated patterns for structural support. Engineers and architects apply natural tessellation to create strong, lightweight materials, efficient packaging, and innovative structural designs.

Biomimicry Applications

• Geodesic Domes: The Eden Project’s dome is based on tessellations.
  
  
• Functional Backpacks: Pangolin Backpacks have designed backpacks that mimic the structure of a pangolin's scales so that your laptop and other vitals can be protected extremely well.
  
  
• Built Environment: The laying of building materials such as tiles and bricks are also examples of tessellation. 

7. Lattice Structures (Strength & Lightweight Design)

Lattice structures in nature provide strength, flexibility, and efficiency through repeating patterns of interconnected elements. Bird bones have lightweight lattice-like interiors for flight, balancing strength with reduced weight. Sponge skeletons and coral reefs use lattice frameworks for stability and efficient water flow.

Dragonfly wings have intricate lattice patterns that enhance durability while remaining light. Even crystalline structures in minerals and ice follow lattice arrangements. Engineers and designers mimic natural lattice structures in architecture, materials science, and biomedical implants for strength and efficiency.

Biomimicry Applications

• Aerospace & Automotive: Aircraft structures such as fuselage, wings, and mechanical parts are often used by organisations such as Boeing. Another example is the brake ducts used in many Formula 1 cars. 
  
  
• 3D Printing: Many objects that are 3D printing use lattice structures, or additive manufacturing. Prosthetics is an example, and are strong yet lightweight. 
  
  
• Sports Equipment: Modern running shoes have soles that incorporate lattice structures, like these adidas running shoes.

8. Dendritic Patterns (Growth & Flow Optimization) 

Dendritic patterns resemble the roots of trees and are found in nature for efficient transport and distribution. Blood vessels and nerve cells use dendritic structures to optimize oxygen flow and signal transmission. River networks and plant roots spread in dendritic patterns to distribute water and nutrients.

Snowflakes and frost form dendritic crystals due to molecular branching. Even coral growth follows dendritic structures for maximum surface area. Engineers apply dendritic designs in fluid systems, electronics, and city planning to improve efficiency and connectivity.

Biomimicry Applications

• Circuit Boards: Electronic circuits mimic dendritic flow for efficiency.
  
  
• Water Filtration: Desalination plants optimize flow using dendritic patterns. 
  
  
• AI & Neural Networks: Machine learning algorithms mimic brain dendrites.

9. Fibonacci Sequence (Mathematical Growth & Proportion)

The Fibonacci Sequence, or Golden Ratio, is a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two before it (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). It appears in nature to optimize growth, efficiency, and structure. Sunflowers and pinecones arrange seeds in Fibonacci spirals for space efficiency. Pineapples, succulents, and shells follow this sequence for balanced growth.

Even animal proportions, like rabbit populations and spiral horns, reflect Fibonacci patterns. Engineers and designers use these principles in architecture, robotics, and computer algorithms for efficiency.

Biomimicry Applications

• Architecture: Many famous buildings like the Parthenon and the Taj Mahal are believed to adhere to the Fibonacci sequence. 
  
  
• Finance: Fibonacci retracement strategies can help predict market trends.
  
  
• Art & Music: When it comes to aesthetics, artists make use of the Golden Ratio in paintings, like The Last Supper. In music, Mozart's sonatas are known to incorporate this sequence (the number of bars of music in the latter section divided by the former is approximately 1.618, the Golden Ratio.).

10. Functional Surfaces (Camouflage, Visibility, Liquid-Repelling & Other Functions)

Functional surfaces in nature have specialized textures that enhance survival and efficiency. In zebras the black-and-white stripes can confuse predators during a hunt. Stripes also help zebras recognize each other, as each pattern is unique, aiding in social bonding within herds. Lotus leaves have microstructures that repel water, keeping them clean and dry. Gecko feet use microscopic hairs to grip surfaces, allowing them to climb walls.

Shark skin has tiny ridges that reduce drag, improving swimming efficiency. Butterfly wings use nanostructures to create vibrant colors without pigments. Engineers mimic these surfaces in self-cleaning materials, adhesives, and aerodynamic designs, applying nature’s solutions to technology, medicine, and sustainable innovations.

Biomimicry Applications

• Military & Fashion: Camouflage clothing is inspired by functional surfaces in animal adaptations.
  
  
• Waterproof Textiles: Inspired by liquid-repellant surfaces like the lotus leaf, Amphico has developed recyclable and PFAS-free, waterproof apparel and gear for the outdoor and sportswear industry. 
  
  
• Structural Colour in Fabric: Cypris Materials are using structural colour to replace harmful dyes, inspired by surfaces like peacock feathers. 

Conclusion 

Biomimicry is revolutionizing design, engineering, and sustainability. By learning from nature’s genius, we can build more efficient, resilient, and beautiful solutions. Whether it’s optimizing energy use, improving materials, or enhancing technology, these natural patterns offer endless inspiration.

Next Steps

If you're interested in learning more, you can explore our Biomimicry Short Courses, where you'll get practical knowledge of how to apply biomimicry to your own design, get a Learn Biomimicry certificate which is recognised globally (and endorsed by the Biomimicry Institute), and so much more.