The Year 11 ATAR Design class at Mandurah Catholic College recently finished their major Industrial Design project for the year: An external power supply (power bank) to charge their devices.  

To complete the project they first studied design principles and elements, then researched and analysed the target audience, the client, the user and manufacturing techniques.  

The students then produced fully working prototypes of their power banks with their newly acquired 3D computer modelling skills, and a type of 3D printer that uses guided lasers and a resin bath in a process called stereolithography.  

Each design solution has been individually handcrafted and tested, ready to show the ‘client’ and go into production.  

Logan, one student in the course, created a desktop power supply hybrid with a pen holder for his major project.  

“This project has been the best that I have ever done,” he said. 

“I feel like this is preparing me for the real world and is a topic that I am really invested in – I plan on studying it in the future,”

The students’ portfolio work demonstrated their learning and required the development of further skills in graphic design, with portfolios completed at a level that made them an excellent resource for students to show prospective employers or universities. 

Another Design student, Sean, incorporated a LED battery gauge in his power supply. 

“Design is a very unique and fun course,” he said.  

“It’s combination of problem solving, designing and manufacturing is useful for people who are looking for a future in engineering, 

“Our power banks were a joy to create whilst at the same time I learned more about design and CAD skills and manufacturing processes,” 

Jeremiah was another of the students to enjoy the project, incorporating timber grain into his design. 

“It made me realise the amount of hard work that goes into designing these products,” he said. 

“It opened my eyes and was very informative and has allowed me to appreciate designers more, 

“The power bank was a project that allowed me to have my own creative input,” 

Year 11 ATAR Design teacher, Luke Garbin said he loved teaching the Design course and working in a team environment with students. 

“It is fulfilling to be able to use my skills with design, problem solving and creating to help guide the students undertaking the design process,” Mr Garbin said. 

“The sense of pride and accomplishment when the students produce some fantastic artefacts is great to see, 

“It’s a wonderful ATAR course option for those students who are creative.”  

With the major project finished, the students will have the opportunity to work on their Cultural Design piece, allowing for more freedom to use a variety of two–dimensional processes such as silk screen printing, vinyl cutting and laser cutting. 

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