Getting Started

Course Information

Bio-Inspired Design

Learn from nature. Create for the future. An online short course in sustainable, creative design thinking.

Course Snapshot

  • Level: Beginner–Intermediate
  • Duration: Approx. 10.5 hours (Self-paced)
  • Mode: 100% Online via UAL Virtual Learning Environment
  • Certificate: Issued upon completion
  • Tutor: Dr. Veronika Kapsali
  • Themes: Sustainability, Innovation, Nature-Inspired Design

Why Take This Course  

What if your next design idea didn’t just look good - but worked better because it was inspired by nature? This course is for designers, makers, engineers, and anyone curious about how natural systems can lead to smarter, more sustainable solutions. You’ll learn to apply the principles of bio-inspired design to real-world projects and build a future-facing practice that reflects creativity, ethics, and sustainability.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Define Bio-Inspired Design (BID) and its relevance across industries
  • Identify key natural principles that inspire human innovation
  • Use the Double Diamond model to guide your creative process
  • Conduct practice-based research and iterative prototyping
  • Develop a personal implementation plan for BID in your work
  • Build confidence applying nature’s principles to real-world design challenges

Course Breakdown

This self-paced course is structured into 5 concise, interactive lessons:

  1. What Is Bio-Inspired Design? Explore definitions, reflect on your practice, and begin a product profile.
  2. The History of BID Trace key innovations and revise your design process with historical insight.
  3. Designing for a Sustainable Future Consider environmental impacts and propose ethical improvements.
  4. Biological Structural Design Elements Learn 9 core BID concepts and apply them in a practical prototype.
  5. Applying BID to Your Projects Use the Double Diamond model to refine your own process.

How You’ll Learn

Through UAL Short Course’s intuitive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), you’ll:

  • Watch short, engaging video lessons
  • Work through hands-on creative activities
  • Reflect on your process via journals
  • Submit a final Design Challenge for tutor feedback
  • Connect with peers and tutors in lesson forums

You’ll have full flexibility-progress at your own pace with guidance at key stages

Meet Your Tutor: Dr. Veronika Kapsali

Dr. Veronika Kapsali is a leading researcher, designer, and educator whose work explores the intersection of textiles, biomimicry, and sustainability. With deep expertise in nature-inspired design, Veronika helps learners bridge theory with applied, practice-based insigh

What You’ll Need

A sketchbook or drawing paper + pens/pencils

  • A computer, tablet, or phone with internet access
  • Tools for presenting your ideas (e.g. Canva, PowerPoint, or even poster boards)
  • Access to online research materials on BID case studies

All tools are flexible-adapt the process to your style.

Certificate & Completion

To earn your Certificate of Completion from UAL:

  • Submit your final Design Challenge portfolio
  • Engage with key coursework and reflection
  • Receive personalised tutor feedback on your work

This certificate supports your portfolio, job applications, or further academic study

Preview the Course Before You Enrol

With guest access, you can explore:

  • A read-only version of the course handbook
  • Forum discussions (read-only)

This helps you understand what to expect - before making a commitment.

Ready to Explore Nature’s Blueprint for Design?

Reimagine your creative process. Design smarter. Learn from nature.