It is known that analytical manipulation of the time-domain representation of fractional order transfer function is, hitherto, a challenging task. In this study, a controller design methodology based on the direct synthesis design method is proposed using bi-fractional order transfer function as a reference model and certain time-domain criteria. First, an analysis examines the effects of bi-fractional order transfer function parameters, that is, commensurate fractional order, damping ratio and natural frequency, on the system time-domain criteria. This examination has allowed us to set up a relation between damping ratio and commensurate fractional order. Next, a polynomial function fitting is established in order to express the damping ratio in terms of this commensurate order. Bi-fractional-order reference model is regenerated using the above-mentioned relationship. Furthermore, a control design algorithm that utilizes the newly derived bi-fractional order reference model is developed by considering control signal limitations. The proposed fractional order control design method is then compared with globally optimized fractional order proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers under the same circumstances and performance index. Finally, the implementation of the proposed controller design algorithm is done on a real-time active suspension system. The results are very satisfactory and incoherent with the simulations.