MIMICRY
Mimicry refers to the copying of properties of familiar objects, organisms, or environments in order to improve the usability, like-ability, or functionality of an object. There are three basic kinds of mimicry in design: surface, behavioral, and functional.
Surface mimicry
Surface mimicry is defined as making a design look like something else. When a design mimics the surface aspects of a familiar object, the design implies the way it will function or can be used.
Example: Mobile icons
Source: Own mobile's screenshots
Explanation:
The icon for calling purposes mimics the phone, the icon for planner mimics a calendar while icon for calculations mimics the mathematical symbols and Time setting mimics the real clock.
Behavioural Mimicry
This mimicry involves making a design act and possess the characteristics of another object or living organisms.
A toy dog as shown above is the result of mimicry of a real dog. This picture is taken Farley Supermarket, Bintulu Sarawak.
The figure above shows the bottom area of the toy dog which functions using batteries. It is able to bark like a real dog.
Functional mimicry
Functional mimicry is defined as making a design work like something else.
Functional mimicry is useful for solving mechanical and structural problems.
Functional mimicry is defined as making a design work like something else.
Functional mimicry is useful for solving mechanical and structural problems.
The opener of the softener as shown by the above right figure mimics the function of the cover of a mineral bottle.