HSC Applied Arts projects 2023

The Form VI Design and Technology class followed an iterative problem-solving process to test and develop ideas to meet a defined need. The wide range of well-made projects shows the range of social and environmental topics considered and the strong development of skills in a broad cross-section of practical work areas.

Nicholas Alexander

This project explored inherent design problems in analogue LP record turntables that result in vibrations affecting sound quality. Nicholas experimented with springs, linear bearings and magnetic repulsion before designing a magnetic suspension base for a record player turntable.

Bo Baffsky

This project addressed the environmental need to protect against fishing lures being left on rocks and reefs when they become snagged, and the line breaks off. Bo designed a biodegradable fishing lure using blended seaweed and beeswax as the base materials.

Charles Balderstone

This project aimed to clean the high tide line of a beach where debris collect after the tide recedes. Charlie designed a GPS enabled, solarpowered, robotic beach cleaner that scooped and sifted sand to remove waste materials.

Alexander Blackman

This project examined job site workplace hazards, such as gas, UV levels and sound, aiming for an integrated work site sensor device to be worn on the belt and give warnings of dangerous levels if detected.

Oscar Burrows

This project was intended to meet the need for convenient and accessible muscle therapy to assist in overcoming sprains and strains. Oscar developed a single wall-mounted framework with massage and exercise attachments to provide suitable exercises and muscle manipulation.

Oliver Burton

Canoe shelter with folding legs and tent sides. This project considered the need of outdoor adventurers on canoe tours who find limits on equipment being carried a concern. Oliver added folding legs and clip-on tent sides to a canoe to remove the need for a tent, with the canoe itself providing the necessary shelter.

Louis Hill

This project met the need of dog owners with more than one dog, or with dogs that hang onto a ball after fetching! Louis designed a double-ended two tennis ball thrower for exercising dogs that allows the owner to easily throw two balls in quick succession to keep dogs moving and happy.

Luke Males

This project addressed the needs of many people with physical or vision impairment that makes plugging a mobile phone into a charger difficult. Luke experimented with various 3D printed frameworks and coding solutions to design an automatic sensor unit that detects a phone’s location and uses stepper motors to drive the charger pad to the phone when placed anywhere on the device. He created a phone-locating charging surface.

Tex Pontin

This project worked on multiple needs of users of small tents at festivals and outdoor events. Rain, stability, and sustainability were considered and a strong, light, recyclable cardboard tent was developed to provide patrons with short-term shelter and the environment with long-term benefits.

Alessandro Stillone

This project considered the needs of job site workers requiring a range of personal protective equipment and physical comfort. Alessandro researched respirators, hearing protection, eye protection and protective clothing, along with workplace environmental factors and designed a cooling vest with internal fans and respirator attachment.

AJ White

This project looked into the training effects of weighted writing implements to add a physical training aspect to the many writing tasks done preparing for examinations. AJ designed a pen with adjustable internal weights that was machined on the metal lathe from brass, using fine screw threads for joining and a “bolt action” spring-type retraction system.

Tobias Wilmer

Ear piercing tube to reduce infections. This project addressed the needs of many people seeking piercings who risk infections at the wound before initial healing, particularly if workplace or school rules mean piercings are removed too early. Toby researched the health and metal art aspects of piercings and developed a through-the-lobe tube that can stay in place to allow healing, allowing the ring or stud to be removed or swapped during the healing phase.

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