BICAD bio-inspired design method and BICAD assistant design tool

AKTER A. Y., BAŞAK H.

Journal of Engineering Design, vol.37, no.1, pp.124-146, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09544828.2025.2473877
  • Journal Name: Journal of Engineering Design
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Educational research abstracts (ERA), INSPEC, Metadex, DIALNET, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.124-146
  • Keywords: Design method, bioinspiration, biomimetics, SPOTIS, design tool
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, a design assistant software (BICAD Assistant), capable of guiding designers in generating design ideas and integrated into Bio-Inspired Computer-Aided Design programme has been developed. Initially, design methods developed within the scope of bio-inspired design approach were examined, bio-inspired design principles were identified and the methods and algorithms created to apply these principles were reported. Furthermore, the principles of BICAD Assistant software, which aim to reduce the need for expert support in bio-inspired design, were explained. Two distinguishing features make the BICAD design method unique in the literature. The first is the ease of knowledge transfer from biology to design due to defining problem and solution parameters on the same basis. The second is the presentation of biological solution alternatives to the designer using a multi-criteria decision analysis (SPOTIS). Additionally, the process of generating a biological solution for a design problem was demonstrated using the developed BICAD Assistant software through example design problems within the scope of this study.