Description
Product Design and Technology focuses on designing and creating innovative, sustainable products that respond to the needs of individuals and society. Students apply design thinking and the product design process to investigate opportunities, generate ideas, develop solutions, and produce high-quality products. Through practical and folio-based work, students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how social, environmental, ethical, cultural, economic, and technological factors influence design.
Throughout the course, students explore materials, production techniques, sustainability, and user-centred design principles. A detailed folio documents each stage of the design process, from research and concept development through to production and evaluation. In Units 3 and 4, students design and manufacture a product for a client or end-user, evaluate its success, and analyse the environmental, social, and economic impacts of product design. Assessment includes folios, practical projects, School-assessed Coursework, a School-assessed Task, and examinations.
Unit Topics
Streams
Three streams are available:
- Fabrics
- Metals
- Wood
Unit 1 – Sustainable Product Redevelopment
Unit 2 – Collaborative Design
Unit 3 – Applying the Product Design Process
Unit 4 – Product Development and Evaluation
Skill Development
Design Thinking, Creativity, Problem Solving, Project Management, Product Development, Material Investigation, Production Techniques, Sustainability, Evaluation, and Safe Use of Tools and Equipment.
Possible Assessment Tasks
Design Folios, Practical Projects, Research Activities, School-assessed Coursework, School-assessed Tasks and Examinations.
Career Options
Industrial Design, Product Design, Furniture Design, Fashion Design, Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, Technical Trades, and Creative Industries.
Year 11 & 12