Product Design and Technologies
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.
Hamish Brown
Trinity Grammar School, Kew
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
EcoShades
Coffee grounds, biopolymer composite
The EcoShade sunglasses were inspired by innovations from Berlin, Germany, where repurposed coffee grounds were used as a material for creating disposable coffee cups. I experimented with the development of a durable, strong material derived from coffee grounds and biopolymers, to create a pair of sunglasses that exhibits the possibilities of repurposing coffee grounds for other everyday products.
T Evans
Christian College Geelong, Waurn Ponds
Wathaurong Wadda Wurrung Country
Abdominal Support Belt
Activewear knit fabric, cotton weave, velcro, lava sand
The Abdominal Support Belt uses heat and pressure to relieve lower back and abdominal pain caused by muscle strain, IBS, menstrual cramps, food intolerances, post-partum pain, and many other conditions. This product attaches a heat bag to the user's back or abdomen in a discrete manner, as well as providing adjustable pressure levels to further assist in pain or even anxiety relief. The abdominal support belt allows users to engage in daily activities with minimal movement restriction.
Nikolai Havemann-Brown
Bundoora Secondary College, Bundoora
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Paper Recycling Station
PLA, marine ply, reclaimed hardwood, recycled basketball backboards
My design brief was developed to address the lack of paper recycling in artspaces at Bundoora Secondary College. I designed this product to be an immersive and modular paper-making station for students and staff to use. This process involved creating a secure and durable design with the use of sustainable and recycled materials, such as repurposed basketball backboards sanded to create a unique design. This product was made to work beyond its intended function, being multi-purpose and visually appealing.
Loke Egede-Poulsen
Mentone Grammar School, Mentone
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Sustainable Children's Balance Bike
Wood, metal
With increasing concern about the environment, I have designed a balance bike that can withstand the use of many generations. It is aimed not only to be an enjoyable way to learn balancing skills, but also a sustainable product that can be used by children and repaired by anyone. I conducted research into the best methods of production, and how the environment and end users could be considered. Its flat packable construction minimises waste and the environmental impact of transport.
Siena Scarlata
Star of the Sea College, Brighton
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Combo Pants
Cotton, Corozo buttons, metal zippers, metal hooks and eyes, felt
Combo Pants were designed to address the challenges we face during puberty; in particular, our changing body shapes and evolving fashion identities. Featuring unzippable gussets, an adjustable waistband and removable cuffs, the garment adapts to the wearer’s growing body. The garment can transform from cargo-style pants to a skirt and bolero, and also includes removable patches for more personalised customisation. Made from durable cotton drill with repairable features, the design ensures longevity, offering both practicality and versatility throughout the wearer’s teenage years.
Marilyn Vincent
Kilbreda College, Mentone
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Sustainable Multicultural Evening Wear
Polyester saree material, broadcloth cotton
My garment was created to address challenges faced by women of Indian descent living in Australia, as well as obstacles they might face when selecting outfits that balance personal styles against cultural and societal norms. Combining the common halter-neck and maxi-skirt silhouette with traditional Indian saree fabric and embellishments bridges the gap between the two fashion cultures. This garment promotes sustainability through its reversible design, offering a four-in-one outfit that maximises quality of life while reducing environmental impacts of the textiles industry.
Alicia Comito
Star of the Sea College , Brighton
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Woofers World Cleaner Uniform
Polyester softshell fleece, synthetic leatherette, elastic, velcro
To improve the job efficiency of Woofers World after-school cleaners, I designed a uniform that enables them to carry their cleaning equipment – such as rags, spray bottles and dog poo bags – on their person. The uniform is made of a water-resistant material and incorporates the technique of trapunto to provide knee padding. I designed the uniform so that it is easy to get on and off, using an adjustable neck strap and press studs that separate the bib from the pants.
Ananya Saini
Marian College, Sunshine West
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
5-in-1 Denim Duo
Recycled denim jeans, recycled polyester table cloth
Fast fashion has become a significant global issue due to excessive waste that leads to environmental degradation. I designed a versatile, sustainable garment in an effort to tackle this issue. Designed for young adults, it is made from recycled denim and features a reversible skirt and top. The skirt has detachable lengths and a convertible bag in two sizes, combining style with functionality. This approach encourages less consumption and helps reduce textile waste.
Maggie Tayler
Ballarat Grammar, Wendouree
Wathaurong Wadda Wurrung Country
The Gender-Neutral All-Inclusive Closet
Pure wool, cotton wool, acrylic blend, organza
This garment aims to provide gender-neutral individuals the opportunity to explore expressive freedom and develop individuality through their wardrobe. Flexibility is possible through mixing and matching, redesigning and configuring a range of outfits that create diversity for the wearer. The main pieces include a combination of a top, jacket, trousers and skirt/tunic that create movement through the use of magnetic buttons, and panels that can be reconfigured for multiple looks.
Sybil Shahid
Killester College, Springvale
Boon Wurrung Bunurong Country
Ocean's Whisper
Satin, sewing thread
This garment raises awareness of coral bleaching through intricate coral designs made with various coloured threads and water-soluble stabiliser. Created with a design-for-disassembly approach, each part of the garment can be worn separately, extending its lifecycle. Crafted with sustainable and ethical production methods, the piece emphasises longevity, recyclability, and sustainability. The flexible design promotes environmental consciousness by ensuring that every component can be easily repurposed or recycled, highlighting the need to protect marine ecosystems while minimising waste.
Sophie Lambourn
Ballarat Grammar, Wendouree
Wathaurong Wadda Wurrung Country
Child's Survival Jacket
Sublimation dyed polyester, polyester fleece
As safety concerns grow, parents are looking for innovative solutions to protect their children from environmental and physical threats. My design provides a safety-conscious garment aimed to protect children aged two to 12 years. It incorporates a 3D-printed whistle, location tracking and survival supplies. The jacket was made from a 100% waterproof fabric, which was custom-printed and designed from drawings produced by Year 5/6 students. It is double-insulated with a warm fleece lining to cater for a changing climate.
Phoebe Lagerberg
Ballarat Grammar, Wendouree
Wathaurong Wadda Wurrung Country
EcoFin Swimwear
Digital printed lycra, open-ended zips
EcoFin Swimwear is a reef-safe, full-coverage swimsuit designed to protect marine ecosystems by reducing the need for sunscreen use. This, in turn, reduces the number of plastic containers polluting our oceans. Targeted at women aged 18–35, years, EcoFin offers a sustainable solution for conservative swimwear. The vibrant fabric pattern is inspired by the colours of the male butterfly fish and created with digital printing. Additionally, EcoFin features zippable components for customised style and versatile wear across seasons. This garment combines style and function to support coral reef protection.
Lauren Murphy
Genazzano FCJ College, Kew
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Workwear For Women With Endometriosis
Cotton, wool, 3D polymers, flax seeds
One in 15 women live with endometriosis. With them in mind, I designed a product that offers a fresh, functional workwear solution for women. Experimenting with new and emerging technologies, including 3D printing, I developed a garment that mimics the feeling of a massage ball to ease abdominal pain through sensory redirection. Featuring 3D-printed buckles, the garment is adjustable to accommodate fluctuating body sizes, ensuring comfort throughout the day. Being customisable and easy to disassemble, my design remains user-focused, combining style with functionality.
