VDI 6220 Blatt-2 2023-07 PDF

Full title and description

VDI 6220 Blatt 2:2023-07 — "Biomimetics - Biomimetic design methodology - Products and processes" (German title: "Bionik - Bionische Entwicklungsmethodik - Produkte und Verfahren"). The guideline links biomimetic process models with the general product development process and locates biomimetic methods and procedures in the development process in terms of time and content; it supports both top‑down (technology‑driven) and bottom‑up (biology‑driven) biomimetic development approaches.

Abstract

This VDI guideline describes the steps and recommended methods for developing biomimetic products and processes, providing an overview of suitable methods for each development phase and mapping biomimetic activities into established product development workflows. It is intended as a complementary guidance to general product‑development standards and to standards for special product classes.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (technical rule in force).
• Publication date: July 2023 (2023-07).
• Publisher: VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) / published via Beuth (VDI rules published through standard publishing channels).
• ICS / categories: 07.080 (Biology. Botany. Zoology) — biomimetics / bionics applications in engineering and product development.
• Edition / version: 2023-07 (Blatt 2 of the VDI 6220 series).
• Number of pages: 30 pages (PDF / print).

Scope

VDI 6220 Blatt 2 places biomimetic methods within the overall product development lifecycle. It covers both strategies where engineering seeks solution principles from nature (top‑down) and approaches where biological discoveries suggest technological applications (bottom‑up). The guideline describes necessary development steps, decision points and gives an overview of methods suitable for each step, supporting transfer of natural mechanisms into technical solution principles. It is intended for designers, developers, researchers and educators involved in biomimetic product and process development.

Key topics and requirements

• Mapping of biomimetic process models to standard product development workflows.
• Identification and selection of biomimetic methods for each development phase (search, abstraction, transfer, evaluation).
• Guidance for both top‑down (engineering‑led) and bottom‑up (biology‑led) development paths.
• Overview of recommended tools and methods to convert natural mechanisms into technical solution principles.
• Integration points with existing product engineering, design and validation activities.

Typical use and users

Used by product developers, design engineers, R&D teams, innovation managers, academic researchers, teachers and students working on biomimetic products or seeking to apply biological principles to technical challenges. Also useful for organizations establishing a biomimetics workflow within their product development process or for curriculum material in engineering and design programs.

Related standards

Part of the VDI biomimetics rule set (VDI 6220 series). Related documents include VDI 6220 Blatt 1 (fundamentals, conception and strategy) and other VDI rules covering biomimetic surfaces, robots and structural optimization (e.g., VDI 6221, VDI 6222, VDI 6224, VDI 6226). The guideline is intended to complement general product development standards and VDI manuals on biomimetics and product engineering.

Keywords

biomimetics, bionics, biomimetic design, product development, design methodology, VDI 6220, top‑down, bottom‑up, technology transfer, Beuth, VDI guideline

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDI 6220 Blatt 2 is a VDI technical guideline (Blatt 2 of the VDI 6220 series) that provides methodology and practical guidance for biomimetic design of products and processes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the placement of biomimetic methods in the product development timeline, steps required to convert natural mechanisms into technical solutions, and an overview of suitable methods and tools for each development phase — for both top‑down and bottom‑up approaches.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Developers, design engineers, R&D teams, researchers, educators and students involved in biomimetic innovation and organizations integrating biomimetic methods into product development.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current (published July 2023). No superseding revision was indicated at the time of publication listing; users should check VDI or the publishing body for any later amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the VDI 6220 series on biomimetics. Blatt 1 covers fundamentals and strategy; Blatt 2 provides the design methodology for products and processes; related Blatt documents address domain‑specific topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Biomimetics, bionics, biomimetic design methodology, product development, nature‑inspired engineering, VDI 6220.