INTRODUCTION
An AI powered tool that helps innovators apply nature’s insights to build sustainable products and systems.
My Role
I led the conceptualisation and design of Bud.ai. Through user research and journey mapping, I uncovered key friction points in applying biomimicry. I turned those insights into a product experience that embeds actionable insights directly into existing workflows—bridging the gap between nature and practical application.
Skills
Customer Journey Map, Desk Research, Ideation & Conceptualisation, User Interview, Wire-framing, Prototyping, User Interface Design, User Experience Design.
Duration
4 Weeks
Design Team
The Problem
Despite the growing interest in biomimicry, designers struggle to access and implement nature-inspired ideas. Biomimicry remains more of an inspiration, especially when time and budget constraints demand speed and clarity.
The Solution
Bud.AI provides designers with actionable insights rooted in biology, integrating into existing workflows. Whether it’s suggesting sustainable materials, adapting natural mechanisms to product design, or generating 3D-ready artefacts.
DISCOVERY
Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary field that requires specialised knowledge creating a barrier between innovators and nature.
Users have to jump between databases, research papers, and design platforms.
Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Existing databases require extensive understanding which is hard for non-experts.
Platforms don’t always deliver applicable, cross-disciplinary solutions.
The barrier to entry was simply too high. What if we could change that?
We saw this firsthand while working with product designers and engineers who struggled to apply nature-inspired principles to their work.
DESIGN PROCESS
Exploring how we can integrate into every stage of the process through exploring the visual interface.
From defining the problem, to offering guidance during design, testing and validation, we had to ensure that biomimicry is integrated into every aspect of the workflow.
After outlining Bud.AI’s capabilities across each stage of the innovation process, I iterated on the interface through increasing levels of fidelity to explore the optimal information architecture and structure.
SOLUTION
Bud.ai fits into design and engineering teams and has the ability to act as an interdisciplinary collaborator
Whether you're sketching initial concepts or refining final prototypes, Bud’s suite of interactive tools — from advanced prompting controls to downloadable files — seamlessly integrates into your workflow.
1/3
To begin a project, use the robust input framework to input your project specifications
We have thoughtfully designed each input field to provide context for your project, you can also upload files to help Bud understand exactly where you are in the process.
Bud compiles everything into one flexible workspace, where you can edit, change, or add elements anytime.
2/3
With a click, Bud proposes three swimwear ideas inspired by nature.
Bud generates interactive 3D models and helps you iterate by smart prompting and evolves with your ideas.
3/3
Troubleshooting an existing design? Bud.ai has got you covered.
It can propose solutions taking into consideration text, image and even technical blue-prints. You can pick back up from wherever you left and Bud remembers your needs.
TECHINCAL SPECIFICATIONS
Bud.ai shouldn’t just lift from living systems — it should also support them, here's how we plan to train it to be circular
Borrowing from case studies that champion circularity and libraries of sustainable materials, Bud’s AI algorithm is designed to optimize for sustainability, rather than just cost, performance, or speed.
REFLECTION
Designing UX for AI-powered products
I learned that transparency, context, and timing are crucial when embedding AI into creative workflows, especially for interdisciplinary users. Having an input framework was key to streamline workflows by reducing repetitive back and forth between user and the AI interface.
What's next for Bud.ai
The next step is integrating Bud.AI into existing design tools through plugins, meeting users directly in their preferred environments. We're also focused on strengthening the solution exploration canvas and running real-world tests to better understand its impact and refine its capabilities.
