Design Course
Indian Toy Design
Biomimicry-inspired toys
by
Difference Between Idea and Concept
As the course progressed, Professor Bapat guided the students through a critical distinction: the difference between an idea and a concept. This distinction became a key turning point in the design process, helping students refine their thinking and advance their projects with greater clarity and focus.
After the first stage of the presentation, Professor Bapat explained that concepts are often combinations of ideas or the result of synthesizing and refining ideas. Concepts are actionable - they are manufacturable and have specific dimensions, material considerations, and user interactions. He emphasized that a concept goes beyond just the initial inspiration, turning it into something that can be developed into a real product. He illustrated this with example sketches created by students during Stage 1, showing how initial ideas could evolve into more structured and executable concepts.
Concept selection is a crucial step in the design process. It involves analyzing ideas, testing their feasibility, and determining which one has the potential to become a successful and practical product.
Additionally, Professor Bapat introduced the idea of biomimicry. When drawing inspiration from nature - such as birds or animals, it’s not about simply copying what you see but rather transforming that inspiration into something new and exciting. Biomimicry involves developing concepts that evoke creativity and fantasy, rather than just replicating nature’s designs. It’s about understanding the underlying principles behind nature’s solutions and applying them in a way that is functional, playful, and engaging for children.
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