Mimicry is the imitation of familiar things in order to take advantage of that familiarity and recognizability. There are three types of mimicry. Surface mimicry is the imitation of visual appearance, including colors, patterns, and/or shapes. Behavioral mimicry is the imitation of an action, usually of a living thing. Functional mimicry is the imitation of a physical process [1]. Mimicry can be used to help people understand and use objects quickly through recognition of these common traits, to elicit a desired emotional reaction, or both. All three types often–but not always–fall under the umbrella of biomimicry, which is the imitation of living things, objects, or phenomena from the natural world [2].
Examples from Our Text
1. Mimic octopus
The mimic octopus imitates both the appearance and behavior of things within its environment. It stays safe by blending into the background or disguising itself as a more dangerous animal. (Surface & behavioral mimicry.) [3]
Since the beginning of graphical user interfaces (GUI), icons have mimicked well-known objects to take advantage of their symbolic meaning. When users immediately recognize icons as familiar objects, they can intuit the meaning of the icon and what function it serves. This icon set has many examples of mimicry, the trash icon being the most notable one. (Surface mimicry.) [4]
Examples Online
Social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat use photo and video filters to enhance the user experience of capturing and sharing photos. Instagram’s weather filter changes the lighting and adds a sun or cloud to mimic the real-world effect of weather changes. The filter works like an actual ray of sunshine or overcast day, changing the image or video in real-time as if the user were actually in that environment. (Surface & functional mimicry.) [5]
4. “Old Phone” iPhone ringtone
The iPhone’s “old phone” ringtone mimics the sound made by an old fashioned telephone. Though it does not look or function like a mid-20th century phone, the iPhone uses the same ringtone to improve usability. (Behavioral mimicry.) [6]
5. Siri
Siri uses mimicry in a few ways to improve likeability and usability for iPhone users. First, Siri’s voice mimics a human voice, which elicits emotional and empathetic reactions. Second, Siri’s function mimics that of a real-life personal assistant, and this aids discoverability because we have preconceived notions about what a personal assistant should do for us. (Behavioral & functional mimicry.) [7]
Examples Around Us
My hummingbird feeders mimic the appearance and function of flowers. Hummingbirds are attracted to both the bright red color and the flower shapes, which mimic real flowers. From the hummingbird’s perspective, the feeder also functions very similarly to a flower. The flower-shaped openings are just the right size for each hummingbird to stick its tiny beak in and drink. (Surface & functional mimicry.)
I bought this iPad case in 2011 in a fit of nostalgia. Its size, shape, and appearance are very similar to an actual composition notebook, which is a pretty good deterrent for would-be thieves and a lot of fun for composition book lovers. It turned out to be a great talking point, too, since all of my friends wanted to know where they could get cases to disguise their technology as inconspicuous objects. (Surface mimicry.)
This cat toy–essentially a bundle of feathers on a string–has been my cat’s favorite style since he was a kitten. (Anyone who has cats will know that it’s rare for one toy to survive the test of time and boredom.) The key to its long-lasting success, I think, is in its aerodynamics. Although it looks nothing like a real bird, it flutters just like one when waved through the air, triggering a deeply ingrained predator instinct in my cat. (Behavioral mimicry.)
References:
[1] Lidwell, William, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler. Universal principles of design, revised and updated: 125 ways to enhance usability, influence perception, increase appeal, make better design decisions, and teach through design. Rockport Pub, 2010. 156-157.
[2] Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. William Morrow, 1997.
[3] “Mimic Octopus: Master of Disguise.” YouTube, 11 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wos8kouz810. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
[4] “Express Yourself with New Face Filters.” Instagram, 18 Aug. 2017, instagram-press.com/blog/2017/08/31/express-yourself-with-new-face-filters. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
[5] “Know Your Icons Part 1 – A Brief History of Computer Icons.” Envato Tuts+, 18 July 2010, design.tutsplus.com/articles/know-your-icons-part-1-a-brief-history-of-computer-icons–psd-9805. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
[6] “SOUND EFFECT | APPLE iPhone X Ringtone | OLD PHONE ( RINGING).” YouTube, 8 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Vyas266Lk. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
[7] “Cookie Monster Siri Commercial.” YouTube, 2 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6OYq_2Ooc. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.