This paper explores the interface between culture, design and biology. It draws on methodologies and existing literature on Anthropology and Science and Technology Studies to argue that despite predictions of biotechnologies bringing about revolutionary change in design disciplines, there is a risk of bio-design becoming a ‘failed’ revolution, similar to that of personal computers. To counter this, we introduce the biomaterial probe, a methodology that enables designers to find potential opportunities, challenges and limitations of introducing living systems in the practice of design.