I believe that life on our planet has figured out how to thrive. By working with Biomimicry, we can learn from nature and apply forms, processes, and systems to our challenges. Changes at the systems level have the greatest impact and therefore I work from a systems approach to everything. My goal is to extract lessons from nature and to make them accessible to designers so that they can practice truly life-centered design.
Ready for a fresh approach to solving problems?
Whether you are a designer, a thinker, a social innovator, or simply a curious human, I invite you to join us to tap into nature' strategies that helped our planet thrive for more than 3.8 billion years. I continually work on tools and information that will help you integrate a nature-based approach into your work and life. Get started today!
Nature-based Design Decisions: A Brainstorm & Evaluation tool
In order to ensure that a visual design piece respects the limitations of our planet, a designer can work with this set of questions to guide design decisions from the very beginning of any project. It also works well as an evaluation tool at the end to see how life-friendly the design solution is.
Biomimicry in Graphic Design Card Set
A set of cards that features 26 organisms with a short summary of the strategies that allow them to thrive on this planet. Suggestions on how these strategies can be incorporated into Visual Communication Design serve as inspiration for design decisions throughout the design process.
Workshops, Outdoor Hikes & 1:1 Sessions
Interested in a biomimicry or a systems thinking workshop, introduction or hike? I have offered various formats of learning experiences from 1-hour talks, to 4-hour hands-on workshops to half-day outdoor hikes, etc.
Life on Earth started almost 4 billion years ago. Organisms have learned to build shelter, harvest energy, cooperate when resources are scarce, and communicate across noisy environments. All without soiling its own nest or depleting precious materials.
Humans have just recently arrived on this planet. By listening, observing, and asking new questions, we might discover some strategies that could help us do the same.
My goal at nahimsa is to develop tools and content that can help you tap into the strategies tested by nature. To get started right now though, step outside! Make it part of your daily work to spend at least 20 minutes outdoors. Try it today! Step away from the digital world and see, smell, touch, listen, and feel. Engage all of your senses. Just be quiet, connect and nature will start to reveal her secrets to you :) Just like nature, learning by doing is the best way. Building your Biomimicry super powers from the bottom up will help you become a life-centered and regenerative designer.
☼ Find fresh and regenerative solutions
☼ Set yourself apart from your competitors
☼ Engaging with Nature promotes health and happiness
☼ Reconnection with nature reduces stress and increases brain power
☼ Nature has thrived on this planet billions of years
☼ Learning about nature’s strategies is awe-inspiring, and often mind blowing
“Wow! This is fantastic! ” ~ Katherine, P.
“I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your impactful workshop, materials and the knowledge you imparted. Your dedication and expertise have made a lasting difference in my career trajectory” ~ Devin, S.
“I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Michelle, It has inspired me to shift my perspective in my solution space. ” ~ Angela, T.
ASU Global Engagement Trip to Hawai’i Septmber 2022
“Experiencing the respect for the land, and mutual respect between us and animals was a nice refresher for me as I have been drowning in the traditional world. It inspired me.” ~ Clare, W.
“As a designer, to be able to experience nature trails, understanding Hawaiian Culture, going below sea level, and experiencing the complexity of organisms, has been life-changing. It has opened my perspectives as a designer on how to communicate better” ~ Zaabi, M.
“As designers, we are storytellers. This trip has allowed me to see the stories that people and organisms here have to protect the island and continue their culture. I would not have been able to learn what I have learned without coming on this trip” ~ Kim, T.
“This experience has allowed me to learn about biodiversity, how everything is connected and all the mythology in the Hawaiian culture that includes every single plant and animal. It has allowed me to appreciate nature so much more” ~ Dagny, P.
“Each organism has it's own story which inspired me for my own life. Even a tiny message under water has deep meaning” ~ Pritesh, K.
Biomimicry/Ayurveda Immersion Summer 2023
“The exposure to biomimicry on this trip was an eye opener for me. I liked the informational materials Michelle provided as reference before the retreat. In addition, the related hands on activities and the manner of her presentation/sharing provided direct appreciation of how I view nature and myself in nature and as myself being part of nature. Thank you Michelle for the way you allowed your love to have an easy flow.” ~ Greg J. Immersion Guest
The story behind the Firefly (Lampyridae) logo. Fireflies are visual communicators. Through the process of bioluminescence, they can create light that allows them to communicate with each other. The bioluminescence is created by combining oxygen, calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), luciferin and a bioluminescent enzyme called luciferase. The illuminated communication strategy is a way to signal for various reasons, including finding a mate. In order to find the right one though, they engage in a rhythmic flashing that is responsive and synchronized. They usually have to warm up before being able to start a “conversation” with a mate.
nahimsa’s approach is based on a similar strategy. Through engaging visuals, we want to connect with designers and other interested problem solvers. The moments of connection must match up, the signal and receiver have to be tuned for each other, and then a meaningful relationship can develop.
nahimsa © 2022
Nature’s Wisdom Retreat: Hawaii