Mimicry

Mimicry refers to imitating properties of familiar objects, organisms, or environments in a new product to improve the usability or functionality of the new product.

Surface Mimicry
Example: Broadband
Photo source: Own broadband

Figure 7.4.1 shows the design of the broadband that resembles a USB thumb drive

Figure 7.4.2 shows a USB thumb drive

     Surface mimicy is defined as making a product to resemble other products. Surface mimicry helps to imply the function of the new product by designing them to look like an already familiar product. 

     A broadband (Figure 7.4.1) for example, resembles a USB thumb drive (Figure 7.4.2). Therefore it is easy for a first time user to use the broadband as they know how it functions based on the design that resembles a USB thumb drive.

Behavioral Mimicry

Example: Car Arcade Machine

Photo source: Arcade shop in City One, Kuching

Figure 7.4.3 shows car arcade machine

     Behavioral mimicry is defined as creating a design to act like an existing object or product. 

     In our example, the car arcade machine (seen in Figure 7.4.3) is designed to create a virtual environment as though the player is driving a real moving car, even having the steering wheels and pedals, just like an actual one.

Functional Mimicry

Example: Laptop Touchpad

Photo source: Own laptop and mouse

Figure 7.4.4 shows a laptop touchpad

Figure 7.4.5 shows a mouse

     Functional mimicry is defined as making a design to work like another existing design. 

     For example, the laptop touchpad (in Figure 7.4.4) is designed to mimic the mouse ( in Figure 7.4.5). It performs the same function like the mouse even though the designs looks different.