visualize | vi-zhə-wə-ˌlīz |
The ability to visualize is often connected to moments of discovery and inspiration in science, technology, engineering and math. Biomimicry — design modeled on biological entities, or, processes — involves visualization. For example, George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, noticed cockle burrs stuck to his clothes. He observed them under a microscope to find hooks at the burrs’ ends. From this, he visualized a hook and loop system that would lock in place to form a strong bond and invented Velcro.