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Accepted manuscript

Transdisciplinary approach in biodesign: a case study of hybridization between design and scientific method in material design

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2025

Marco Marseglia*
Affiliation:
University of Florence, DIDA Department, Florence, Italy
Francesco Cantini
Affiliation:
University of Florence, DIDA Department, Florence, Italy
Tommaso Celli
Affiliation:
University of Florence, DIDA Department, Florence, Italy
Edoardo Brunelli
Affiliation:
University of Florence, DIDA Department, Florence, Italy
Giuseppe Lotti
Affiliation:
University of Florence, DIDA Department, Florence, Italy
*
*Corresponding author: Marco Marseglia, Email: marco.marseglia@unifi.it

Abstract

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Biodesign is an emerging disciplinary field that, in its multifaceted nature, finds in transdisciplinarity a promising pathway to address the complex challenges posed by contemporary scenarios. However, specific methodologies that connect the design mindset with the epistemological framework of scientific methods are still lacking. How can we grow the next generation of biodesigners in this scenario? Transdisciplinary dialogue provides a foundation for merging design thinking with scientific reasoning, leading to the development of methodologies and educational strategies aimed at creating shared languages and codes that promote synergy between design and science. This study presents the results of a methodological evolution—from multi and interdisciplinary approaches to transdisciplinary ones—through a workshop focused on material design, a course designed to train future biodesigners. This workshop engaged students in collaborative material tinkering activities, working side by side with scientists in an active laboratory setting. The study demonstrates that combining a material-driven design approach with scientific methodologies fosters iterative dialogical relationships, ultimately enriching and substantiating the final design outcomes.

Information

Type
Research Article
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press