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The biodesign framework : professional biodesign practices

Bert Vuylsteke (UGent) , Louise Dumon (UGent) , Jan Detand (UGent) and Francesca Ostuzzi (UGent)
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Abstract
This study explores the professionalization of the rising design engineering discipline, called ‘biodesign’. Despite its potential for circular, regenerative solutions, its industrial application remains limited. To address this challenge, this study investigates ‘why’ and ‘how’ professional designers engage in designing of, with and for biology. The study explores the motivations and practices of professional biodesign pioneers through extensive expert interviews (n=21). A qualitative analysis applying the QUAGOL methodology identified five key codes: biodesign mindset, -process, -resources, -materials, and -future. These aspects were further investigated through their five most cited sub-codes, offering evidence-based findings into current biodesign practice. Synthesising these findings, a novel methodological biodesign framework is proposed, that maps nested environments (operating space–biodesign space–biosphere space) and an iterative systemic cybernetical loop between human and more-than-human agencies. The framework offers a structured point of departure for biodesign professionalization and supports future empirical validation and tool development for professional practice and education.
Keywords
biodesign, methodological framework, regenerative economy, circular economy, industrial design engineering, DESIGN

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Citation

Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:

MLA
Vuylsteke, Bert, et al. “The Biodesign Framework : Professional Biodesign Practices.” BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS, vol. 21, no. 2, 2026, doi:10.1088/1748-3190/ae54ef.
APA
Vuylsteke, B., Dumon, L., Detand, J., & Ostuzzi, F. (2026). The biodesign framework : professional biodesign practices. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ae54ef
Chicago author-date
Vuylsteke, Bert, Louise Dumon, Jan Detand, and Francesca Ostuzzi. 2026. “The Biodesign Framework : Professional Biodesign Practices.” BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 21 (2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ae54ef.
Chicago author-date (all authors)
Vuylsteke, Bert, Louise Dumon, Jan Detand, and Francesca Ostuzzi. 2026. “The Biodesign Framework : Professional Biodesign Practices.” BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 21 (2). doi:10.1088/1748-3190/ae54ef.
Vancouver
1.
Vuylsteke B, Dumon L, Detand J, Ostuzzi F. The biodesign framework : professional biodesign practices. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS. 2026;21(2).
IEEE
[1]
B. Vuylsteke, L. Dumon, J. Detand, and F. Ostuzzi, “The biodesign framework : professional biodesign practices,” BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS, vol. 21, no. 2, 2026.
@article{01KMCSM3DVAACVHHT376C488DX,
  abstract     = {{This study explores the professionalization of the rising design engineering discipline, called ‘biodesign’. Despite its potential for circular, regenerative solutions, its industrial application remains limited. To address this challenge, this study investigates ‘why’ and ‘how’ professional designers engage in designing of, with and for biology. The study explores the motivations and practices of professional biodesign pioneers through extensive expert interviews (n=21). A qualitative analysis applying the QUAGOL methodology identified five key codes: biodesign mindset, -process, -resources, -materials, and -future. These aspects were further investigated through their five most cited sub-codes, offering evidence-based findings into current biodesign practice. Synthesising these findings, a novel methodological biodesign framework is proposed, that maps nested environments (operating space–biodesign space–biosphere space) and an iterative systemic cybernetical loop between human and more-than-human agencies. The framework offers a structured point of departure for biodesign professionalization and supports future empirical validation and tool development for professional practice and education.}},
  articleno    = {{23002}},
  author       = {{Vuylsteke, Bert and Dumon, Louise and Detand, Jan and Ostuzzi, Francesca}},
  issn         = {{1748-3182}},
  journal      = {{BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS}},
  keywords     = {{biodesign,methodological framework,regenerative economy,circular economy,industrial design engineering,DESIGN}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{2}},
  pages        = {{15}},
  title        = {{The biodesign framework : professional biodesign practices}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ae54ef}},
  volume       = {{21}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}

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