VCE Product Design and Technologies students are designer-makers who design solutions that are innovative and ethical.
Their design brief identifies a real need or opportunity and provides scope for designing, making and evaluating. Investigation and research inform and aid the development of designed solutions that take the form of physical, three-dimensional products.
Students participate in problem-based design approaches that trial, test, evaluate, critique and iterate product solutions. They prototype and test using a variety of materials, tools and processes.
The selected products on display demonstrate an excellent understanding and application of problem-based design approaches.
Felix Cherrey
Wesley College, Melbourne
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
V-Light Pro
Carbon fibre, Polyactic Acid (PLA), haptic interface
The V-Light Pro is a reimagined take on the bicycle handlebar, combining a haptic interface with a 1,500-lumen, 360-degree lighting system that guides riders through urban environments. By incorporating tactile navigation cues, traditional screen-based technologies are rendered obsolete, ultimately enhancing end-user safety. Weighing just 350g, the design transforms commuter cycling into a safer, distraction-free experience for all.
Ophelia Cravo
St Michael's Grammar School, St Kilda
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
AuraAthletic Sports Water Bottle
Black ABS 3D Printing filament, TPU 3D Printing filament, Beech wood
In recreational sports leagues, stressful environments mixed with seemingly limitless extra belongings (such as tape or mouthguards) make game days an opportunity like no other for belongings to be lost. My design brief aimed to combat this issue by putting storage for any extra items in a product that will always be by the player’s side – their water bottle. The storage compartment contains a comfortable location for a mouthguard and also features an insert where players can store their removed jewellery without any worries.
Ivy Dalley
Sacred Heart College, Geelong
Wadawurrung Country
The Generational Skirt
Cotton linen blend, tulle
The design addresses the challenge many women face in finding clothing that adapts to changing needs, including different occasions, weather, body shapes and sizes. By researching multifunctional garments, I produced a versatile piece suitable and flattering for women of all ages within a household. It is lightweight, breathable and durable, offering a comfortable fit for diverse users. This garment aims to reduce wardrobe waste through multi-way wear, long-lasting materials and the ability to transition confidently between activities and climates.
Genevieve Draper
Girton Grammar School, Bendigo
Dja Dja Wurrung Country
Sustainable, transformable, accessible coat
Wool, fox fur, synthetic lining, magnetic snap fasteners, polycotton thread
When it comes to accessible clothing, the market for end-users is unfortunately slim. It does not sufficiently balance sustainability and accessibility with personal style. My design aims to achieve this balance through recycled fabrics, incorporating features that are more adaptable for wheelchair-users and motor-restricted individuals, as well as through aesthetic elements capturing personal style. Research was conducted with individuals of varying mobility levels to create a design that is as universal as possible. This design makes personal expression through fashion accessible to all.
Paige Evans
Surf Coast Secondary College, Torquay
Wadawurrung Country
Equal Threads
Cotton drill, Neoprene, press studs, Velcro, reflective tape
My design responds to the lack of inclusive, comfortable and sustainable workwear in the construction industry. Through market research, material testing and end-user evaluation, I developed a gender-neutral garment that adapts to a variety of body shapes while providing durability, protection and visibility. The piece prioritises breathability, thermal stability and environmentally conscious thinking, aiming to help construction workers feel represented, safe and comfortable in their workplace.
Verity Horrigan
Genazzano FCJ College, Kew
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Clothing for young girls with juvenile arthritis
Cotton, Velcro
This two-piece adaptive clothing set supports young females with juvenile arthritis by making dressing easier, faster and more comfortable. Designed for young females aged 15–17 years, it features discreet front Velcro to ensure the set remains easy to put on, pull handles for independent dressing, and pockets with removable heat packs to ease pain throughout the day. This set balances practicality and comfort while not compromising on aesthetics, offering an inclusive solution for young females living with juvenile arthritis.
Hayley Jellie
Monivae College, Hamilton
Gunditjmara Country
The Hayley Jane art satchel
Waxed canvas, leather, Velcro, cotton, brass, magnets, zippers, elastic
Creative people aren't a one size fits all and neither are our bags. Whether it’s crochet today or painting tomorrow the Hayley Jane art satchel is designed to adapt to hobbies as they change. The construction of this bag was based on research that suggested a need for versatile and adaptable bags that don't confine artists. Considerations include encouraging adventure with water-resistant and outdoor materials, while adaptable function is reflected in the rearrangeable insides and various carrying options.
Aliyah McCarroll
Yarra Valley Grammar, Ringwood
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Sleeping Bag Jacket
Nylon ripstop rainproof fabric, press studs, zip, cotton wadding
In 2021, 30,660 people were reported as being without a home in Victoria. Those experiencing homelessness face discomfort, safety risks, limited mobility, and reduced dignity due to the harsh conditions of sleeping on Melbourne’s streets. The Sleeping Bag Jacket is designed to convert from a wearable jacket and vest into a comfortable sleeping bag. Addressing issues of warmth and personal security, this design offers a contemporary, multifunctional solution that adapts to the daily challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
Charlie Mitchell
Northcote High School, Northcote
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Stack Modular Seating and Storage
Birch plywood, Tasmanian Oak, recycled Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Two of the most prevalent issues in the inner city are environmental sustainability and housing affordability, both of which are best solved by living in smaller spaces. However, downsizing can come with a cost to the occupants’ mental health, as smaller spaces are more easily cluttered, leading to feeling disconnected from nature, which can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. My design aims to combat this by providing storage that reduces clutter and improves organisation, while employing a design that is visually appealing and references nature, bringing it into a space where one might otherwise feel disconnected from nature.
Cameron O'Keefe
Aquinas College, Ringwood
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Desktop Greenhouse
Wood Polylactic Acid (PLA), Perspex, plywood, 3D printing
Trends towards smaller urban apartments create a significant challenge: lack of space for gardening. As the cost of fresh produce rises, so does the interest in growing food at home. Yet compact living denies many the cost-saving and therapeutic benefits of gardening. My enclosed greenhouse is a visually appealing centrepiece for any desk. Its easily removable sections make garden maintenance simple for all users. Plastic parts are printed from Wood PLA, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to standard 3D-printed plastics.
Dehara Ratnayaka
Avila College, Mount Waverley
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Women's Endurance Swimsuit
Powernet, recycled swim Lycra, Neoprene, contact cement
Many Victorian women aged 15 to 35 are either not confident swimmers or weak swimmers. Yet they still spend significant time participating in leisure water activities, risking their safety. I designed the swimsuit to increase the end-user’s endurance in the water through supportive Neoprene buoyancy inserts along the sides of the swimsuit. The inserts are adjustable to the user’s capabilities and skill level. The swimsuit is designed to promote greater participation in water activities with caution, safety and self-awareness.
Lola Frances Refardt
Mount St. Joseph's Girls' College, Altona
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Eco-printed Sportswear
Tech nylon, Bamboo spandex
Eco-printed Sportswear explores the relationship between sustainability and physical activity through eco-conscious design. Using high-performance deadstock fabrics and mindful making practices, this sportswear ensemble demonstrates that style and function don't need to be compromised for sustainability. As skin cancer diagnoses are rising, it was essential to incorporate both structural and physical protection against harmful UV rays. Finally, vibrant impressions of Viola and Pansy flowers highlight the beauty of nature, in turn encouraging responsible product stewardship.
Olivia Sartitsis
Toorak College, Mount Eliza
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Weighted Sleep Set
Cotton, wheat, satin, buttons
In response to the growing need for calming, practical support during periods of high stress, the Weighted Sleep Set is designed for students managing heavy workloads and demanding schedules. After researching weighted accessories on the market, I developed a discreet yet therapeutic shoulder wrap that can be heated or cooled to provide tailored sensory relief. Paired with a lightweight breathable cotton pyjama set and a matching eye mask, this design helps users maintain calm, balance and restoration during demanding and stressful periods.
Frazer Smith
Brighton Grammar School, Brighton
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Urban Eden
Aluminium, 3D Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), solar panel, water pump, silicone hosing, brass sprinklers
My product aims to bring green spaces back to urban environments. Its modular design allows users to customise it to their balcony fence or wall. Designed for urban and suburban areas, the project blends sustainability, practicality and aesthetics, using durable and recycled materials alongside solar-powered watering systems. Organic and geometric elements work together to create visual harmony. By supporting diverse plant species, the system improves air quality, reduces noise, and fosters wellbeing. It transforms vertical spaces into living ecosystems.
Maya Soha
Star of the Sea College, Brighton
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Multi-sensory dementia garment
Cotton linen fabric, linen nylon fabric, magnets, buttons, yarn, Velcro
My product is a wearable multi-sensory garment that assists in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and can be used while the individual is walking around. The design provides tactile and visual features for wearer engagement, aiming to reduce agitation and irritability. This includes interchangeable cuffs that can be personalised and provide different sensory experiences. The garment is designed with potential dexterity and mobility constraints in mind, with features such as magnet closures and larger arm holes.
Owen Whitcher
Beaconhills College, Berwick
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Flatpack Horticultural Lamp
Plywood, Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG)
The function of this product is to provide a therapeutic outlet for the end-user, addressing the problem of mental health decline, by incorporating both interactive and soothing features through horticultural and lighting perspectives. I experimented with new and emerging technologies, including CAD software, laser cutting and 3D printing, and considered the potential for larger scale manufacturing. Inspired by the sustainability framework and by design for disassembly, I created this product to be dismantled easily, making its disposal and repair more feasible.
Kaylee Wray
Bacchus Marsh Grammar School, Maddingley
Wadawurrung Country
Convertible Insulated Jacket
Polyester, insulated wadding, ripstop fabric
I have designed a convertible insulated jacket that transforms into a puffer vest, specifically for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking. A key innovative feature of my design is the use of magnets around the armholes; these replaced the initial concept of zippers after material testing and end-user feedback. The magnets allow the sleeves to be easily attached or detached, making the conversion more comfortable and efficient without irritating the user’s skin.
