The term "bionics" refers to the science of constructing artificial systems that have some of the characteristics of living systems. Bionics is not a specialised science but an interscience discipline; it may be compared with cybernetics (the science of communication and control in animals and machines). Bionics and cybernetics have been called two sides of the same coin. Both use models of living systems: bionics to find new ideas for useful artificial machines and systems, and cybernetics to seek the explanation of living beings' behaviour.

The project Bionics: From Bud to Flower is an attempt to relate the beautiful natural phenomenon of flower blossoming with some applications in design. The process of bionic science has been understood through case studies. The process of flower blossoming has been analysed in design terms, and then an algebraic system has been developed with possible combinations.