President's Message - April 2015
I recently had the privilege to attend the designTech awards at the Powerhouse Museum. These awards are sponsored by the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards and recognise outstanding major design projects from Design and Technology students studying for the 2014 Higher School Certificate. Twenty projects were submitted and many regional and city High Schools were represented.
Commentary from the Powerhouse Museum recognises that:
“Works from 2014 include a robotic prosthetic arm, a smart bus stop hub, and a dress made from recycled paper maps. Lighting, fashion, technology, sport and leisure products are among the 20 works on display. Students have addressed a range of needs across environmental issues, health and safety, transport and education. Together the projects make up a diverse showcase of ideas and imagination by some of the state’s most talented young design students. Other projects on show include a self-sustaining garden and worm farm for apartment living, an orthodontic retainer cleaner that uses ultraviolet light and ultrasonic vibration, an iPhone and iPad charger in the shape of a toaster, and an ergonomic scuba fin design. A process of investigation, research and evaluation, in response to an identified need or opportunity, is behind each project. Students apply their creativity and skills, using a wide range of materials and technologies, to complete their projects over the course of a year. The development of the project from initial idea to final design is detailed in the students’ portfolios, also on display.”
The students demonstrated and applied their initiative and ingenuity to a number of diverse projects.
The winner, while a relatively low tech device, demonstrated brilliant application of design insight into a common task in rural and regional areas. This task was to separate the strands of a barbed wire fence. As Isaac (from Albury High School) noted “Whenever he climbed over a barbed wire fence, Isaac perceived a high risk of personal injury. His product works on a simple leverage system, prying open the dangerous wire with two extensions….The spreader is light, portable and durable to suit the farm environment.”
This represents the best in technology and design in that it is simple, efficient and fit for purpose for the task at hand.
A number of the award finalists are on display at the Powerhouse Museum until the 10th May where the actual design articles and portfolios are available for viewing.
The exhibition would be an ideal opportunity to showcase to students the opportunities in a design and technology career, including engineering. I encourage you to visit with others to experience the potential we have in our students and to inspire yourself and others whom you may be able to take along.
Bruce Howard FIEAust CPEng
President, Engineers Australia, Sydney Division
This article has been posted by Engineers Australia Sydney Division. For enquiries please email EA Sydney.