It was an 'a-ha' moment when Toshi Fukaya realized that there is more to a cat's paw than just fur, paw-pads and claws. The act of withdrawing the claws and exposing them inspired the creation of Biomimicry Drawing Pin. The sharp pin is sheathed by a hollow pad (or bubble) of malleable silicone and exposes the pin only when the drawing pin is pressed into the board. The idea is to create a safer pin for use.

Like Fukaya explains, "It regains its former shape (and sheaths the pin) when the drawing pin is pulled out. The 'push' side is composed of solid silicon that covers the drawing pin's plastic handle."

Biomimicry Pin is a 2011 red dot design concept winner.

Designer: Toshi Fukaya