Subjects

Who is it for?

This subject is for students who like to be creative and make things, within the discipline of design. You will learn a process to help you expand your ideas, to solve design problems and you will also learn about sustainability.

What do you do?

In studying this subject you will:

• learn about the factors that influence design and use design thinking
• Develop a Digital Folio, using the Double Diamond design process with a design brief, evaluation criteria, research, drawing and prototype ideas; planning of your time, materials, safety and construction methods for your own design
• make the product you designed and at the end, evaluate the product

What skills do you need?

You need the ability to be open minded and to try different methods to your ideas. You also need to practise drawing (can be digital methods) and construction skills, as well as the confidence to start with a blank page and create something according to the confinements of a Design Brief.

IMPORTANT: Tuition in ‘making’ is not provided, therefore basic experience in wood, metal or textiles, or access to expert help when needed would be beneficial.

What skills do you develop?

You will improve your ability to ‘think outside the square’. You will come to see that everything can be improved – it just requires research, trying, trialling and design thinking.

You will develop the following skills:

• planning and time management
• critical and creative thinking
• designing by using sketches or digital tools
• the ability to choose appropriate materials, processes and tools
• digital file management
• general organisational skills.

Requirements

You are expected to buy your own materials. A device is required to take photographs of practical work as evidence, to be submitted online.

Students working in:

• wood, plastics or metal – need access to a fully equipped workshop with all safety equipment and a supervisor who has completed Department of Education and Training safety requirements (essential)
• textiles – need access to sewing machines in either the classroom or at home.

Things to think about

It is important that you have access to the tools or equipment needed to make the product you design, as well as support and supervision at home or school when making your product.  You should also know how to use digital tools (such as a Smart Phone and Laptop) and Cloud based software.  to collate your work for assessment to develop a Digital Folio

Things you can do now

Start Researching and Practising Skills

Depending upon the material category you have chosen to work in – wood, metal, plastics or textiles – you can research and practise further your skills. Make something over the holidays and try something you haven’t done before, as well as practising drawing. There are many instructional videos and websites on the internet. Below are some examples:

• Types of wooden joints
• How to install a zipper

Learn about the Double Design Process (2-minute video) and the Factors that influence design in the 2024 – 2028 Study Design on the VCAA website. To find the Study Design and more information about this subject, go to the VCAA home page for Product Design and Technologies