Students offer solutions for our changing world for Top Designs 2022
Top Designs 2022 clearly defines the role of designers in society as students offer innovative solutions to the challenges of our changing world
Returning to Melbourne Museum from 2 April – 10 July 2022, the annual Top Designs exhibition showcases works created by a selection of talented VCE and VCE VET design students. This year’s cohort have responded to the challenges of the global pandemic, offering solutions to remote work and study, re-thinking our society’s approach to healthcare, and exploring timely answers for creating a sustainable future.
With approximately 900 applications from Victorian government, independent and Catholic schools, 83 works were selected by a panel of expert educators in each area of study including VCE Media, Product Design and Technology, Systems Engineering, Theatre Studies and Visual Communication Design, as well as VCE VET Creative and Digital Media, Furnishing, Integrated Technologies and Music Industry (Sound Production).
After two years of disrupted learning, the selected works demonstrate how the class of 2021 adapted to rapidly changing circumstances, overcoming the difficulties of lockdown and even finding inspiration in isolation. VCE VET Furnishing student, Andre Siakagiannis, inlayed a sunray effect into their table design as a symbol of renewed hope for each day during lockdown. Systems Engineering student, Gemma Wildermuth, approached healthcare in a holistic way by creating GemBot, a robot designed to help children cope with stress while being in hospital.
Among the suite of works, students explored innovative solutions to environmental issues. Textiles Product Design and Technology student Alyssa Payad created Sweet Ivy, a multi-functional dance costume that can be worn a multitude of ways to increase the garment’s lifespan. Fellow exhibitor Ivy Hinkley constructed Transformer – Reversible Riding Suit, a hybrid suit for cycling and office-wear made from recycled and sustainable materials. Visual Communication Design student Coco Bacon
took inspiration from the natural environment to construct an outdoor theatre and seating design for Opera Australia, with an emphasis on sustainability.
The past two years have amplified the role of design as we turn to designers to keep us safe, connected, informed and entertained. This year’s exhibitors provide an insight into the future of design, defining the role of designers like never before.
Top Designs 2022 is complemented by an online program of educational webinars and introductory talks from various industry professionals, which provide valuable insight and inspiration to current VCE and VCE VET design students.
Lynley Crosswell, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Museums Victoria says, “Museums Victoria is delighted to be hosting Top Designs 2022 at Melbourne Museum as part of our commitment to celebrating innovation in design. I sincerely congratulate the young designers featured in this year’s exhibition, who have shown remarkable resilience after two years of disrupted learning during the pandemic. The selected works by VCE and VCE VET students are a testament to this cohort’s marked adaptability and determination.”
Chris Wardlaw, Chair of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority says, "I commend the 83 exhibitors selected for Top Designs, whose works demonstrate exceptional skill and innovation. Drawing visitors back to the iconic Melbourne Museum, Top Designs puts the spotlight on talented young people from across Victoria and what they are able to achieve within our world-class curriculum. This exhibition highlights the outstanding accomplishments of VCE and VCE VET students and celebrates their application of design thinking and creativity."
Top Designs 2022 is proudly presented in partnership with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) as part of the VCE Season of Excellence, which includes Top Acts, Top Arts, Top Class, Top Screen and Top Talks. It represents students from a range of government, independent and Catholic schools in Victoria’s metropolitan and regional areas.
For more information on educational programs visit the Melbourne Museum website.
Top Designs 2022
2 April–10 July 2022
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton
Tickets included in museum entry
Interviews and further information is available. For media enquiries please contact:
