Congratulations to the Year 12 Design and Technology and Industrial Technology students who completed a wonderful array of innovative design projects for their Major Works. The students spent many hours both inside and outside the classroom to transform their design concepts into fully functional products. The projects were diverse and all had their own special “wow” factor – as can be seen in the gallery below.

One of the Design and Technology Students, Zubin Nanavati (12/KL), tells us about the work he completed for HSC Design and Technology – a work titled The Midi Controller.

“Currently in electronic music the main performance devices use knobs and buttons. Audiences are becoming bigger at events where a DJ or performer uses one of these devices and people are starting to question the “performance” aspect of a musician who simply presses buttons and turns knobs on stage. My major work is a device which addresses these issues. It is a device which provides the user with very complex and subtle control over music through the use of touch pads, motion sensors and multifunction button pads. In a nutshell, it is a music performance controller. A device which gives both the performer more freedom to experiment with music, and the audience more insight into the craftsmanship of the performer when creating sound.

I completed HSC Design and Technology and really enjoyed the course due to the fact that I ended up with a final work that I could be proud of. In the process I gained knowledge in quite complex areas of technology such as circuit design and digital logic. The fact that I learnt these through trial and error also enhanced my understanding of them. Another really great thing about this course was the freedom I had in deciding what I wanted to develop. I had access to everything from 3D Printers, CNC Mills and Laser cutters all the way to a large inventory of plastics, metals, wood and electronic components. Throughout the year, I was encouraged by staff members who supported and motivated me regardless of how difficult or complex the problems I faced were, and this meant I had almost limitless freedom to make whatever I wanted to make. I think anyone that has an aptitude for engineering or design will not only enjoy this course but also gain valuable insight into what this industry entails.”