Top Designs 2023: emerging designers champion socially responsive design, showcasing innovative solutions for a better tomorrow
Melbourne Museum, in partnership with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), is proud to present Top Designs 2023, the annual exhibition that showcases works created by a selection of exceptional VCE and VCE VET design and technology students.
With over 1000 applications from Victorian government, independent and Catholic schools, 69 students have been 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, VET Engineering Studies, VET Integrated Technologies and VET Music (Sound Production).
From 24 March to 9 July 2023, visitors will have the opportunity to see how these talented students are using design to create a better world. Socially responsive design and innovation are at the forefront of the exhibition, showcasing how design can be used to address social and environmental issues and create positive change.
Among the works, in Product Design and Technology (Textiles), Shahla Paynter’s design focuses on fast fashion waste an eco-friendly garment made from environmentally friendly materials, with the aim of producing a completely biodegradable garment.
In Systems Engineering, Luke Bouwmeester built a system that concentrates solar heat towards a focal point, heating mass to reduce gas bills and greenhouse emissions. Viran Dhanapala designed a low-cost COVID-19 ventilator that could be used in developing countries.
In Visual Communication Design, Asha M Surujpal created Theia & Helios, an Australian skincare company that champions accessibility and inclusion. Their goal was to create a skincare range for those with vision impairment regardless of their braille fluency.
For the first time, VET Engineering Studies is showcased in the exhibition, with James Crockett’s resistant robotic arm, designed to protect workers from volatile substances by remotely handling toxic waste.
In addition to the exhibition, Top Designs 2023 is complemented by a program of online and on-site educational forums and introductory talks from industry professionals, which provide valuable insight and inspiration to current VCE and VCE VET design students.
Linda Sproul, Director of Exhibitions and Audience Experiences, Museums Victoria says, “Museums Victoria is thrilled to be hosting Top Designs 2023 at Melbourne Museum. Top Designs is our longest exhibition partnership – over 20 years - and I sincerely congratulate the young designers featured in this year’s exhibition. They have worked incredibly hard and this exhibition is not only a showcase of their hard work and creativity but also an opportunity for them to inspire others and be inspired.”
Chris Wardlaw, Chair of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority says, “Top Designs at Melbourne Museum is once again an awe-inspiring showcase of design talent from young people from across Victoria. It truly demonstrates the incredible potential of design to shape our world for the better. The exhibition displays not only the beauty of design but also its ability to solve real world problems and shows what is achievable in your VCE through applied learning.”
Top Designs 2023 is proudly presented as part of the VCE Season of Excellence, which includes Top Acts, Top Arts, Top Class, Top Screen and Top Talks.
For more information on Top Designs 2023, visit the Melbourne Museum website.
