Janine Benyus is a pioneer in the field of biomimicry, which studies natural design and tries to extract lessons that can be applied to man-made design. She is the author of the groundbreaking book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature and her company, the Biomimicry Guild, offers biological consulting.

In Glimmer: Benyus explains how the Namibian beetle might help save the world and how Apple might do likewise, if only it would mend its ways (you listening, Apple?).

Currently working on: Among other things, Benyus is overseeing her website www.AskNature.org, which answers questions about applying natural design solutions to problems.

Quote: “When designers are starting on a project, it makes sense to ask, ‘What in the natural world is already doing what I’m trying to do?’ Chances are you’ll find not just one natural model but several.”

TED Talk: Benyus reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results. (July 2009)

Website: http://www.janinebenyus.com/

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