The Australian International Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia, is proud to present this prize aimed at recognising and rewarding the work of one outstanding secondary student of design and technology in Australia through the annual DesignTECH program. The selection criteria include innovation, concept design, detail resolution, commercial viability and overall quality of presentation. The winner receives a framed certificate and $500 prize money courtesy of Standards Australia. For further information on DesignTECH, please contact the Board of Studies

2009 DesignTECH Selection for Concept Design and Innovation Excellence

Congratulations to this year’s winner of the DesignTECH Selection for Concept Design and Innovation Excellence. The 2009 prize has been awarded on the student’s ability to model, test and remodel a concept to arrive at a thoroughly resolved, market ready product solution that meets an untapped need. This project is an outstanding display of industrial design skills.

Rhino Blade

Hayley Wilson
Cheltenham Girls' High School

The Rhino Blade is a dual action tool designed to remove mud from several areas of a motocross bike after riding. As two members of Hayley’s family ride motocross full time, she was exposed to all facets and problems associated with the sport, including bike maintenance.

Hayley’s father and brother frequently complain about the muddy conditions and express frustration with the unpleasant but necessary task of removing the mud. They have been using the kitchen spatula as there are no implements currently available that are cheap and effectively do the job. Hayley has found an untapped market need and responded with a sophisticated yet inexpensive tool that addresses all areas of the task at hand.

Past Winners

2008

Brake Fast

Andrew van Baal
O’Connor Catholic College

Brake Fast is a device that allows mechanics to safely lock car brakes when working alone. It can also be used to prevent strain on the handbrake when winching a car or stopping a car from slipping into the water from a boat ramp. To operate the device the user pulls a pin and adjusts the device to the appropriate length. The device is then placed against the driver’s seat and pumped until enough pressure is applied to the brake pedal. The device is removed by pushing the release button on the clamp.

2007

Coolamon

Michael Perrior
St Andrew's Cathedral School

The Coolomon can be taken from the car boot and assembled quickly for transfer to and from a moored vessel. The boat is made from polypropylene, and the oar design is made from recycled clothes dryer vents. Michael’s portable fold-up boat is easier to store, launch and transport than other small boats. The biggest challenge was making a folding joint that was waterproof and he has succeeded.

2006

park:A – Homeless Apparel

Blair Cooper
Bankstown Grammar School

The rising number of individuals living on the streets of major cities motivated Blair to design a garment that would ultimately help improve the quality of life for the homeless. The park:A’s special features include: a fold down blanket from the bottom hemline which is made from waterproof nylon; a pull out sleeping mat that is concealed in the back; large hidden pockets in the inside front panels; an extended collar with a rain hood and all Velcro fastenings that are easy to use for all types individuals. The park:A has been designed so that the garment is inconspicuous, enabling the wearer to feel comfortable their own skin, in society and still have some ownership of belongings without trolleys and plastic bags. Blair hopes that her design will alleviate resources from providing physical needs and allow carers to concentrate their services on the mental and spiritual wellbeing of the homeless.

2005 – Inaugural Award

Floating Fish Feeder

Lincoln Morris
Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour

A passion for the sport of fishing and an interest in providing organic food for farmed fish led Lincoln to develop the Floating Fish Feeder. The device provides a natural food source for a fish farm by attracting insects during the dusk period each day. The attracting light source uses ultra-violet fluorescent lights, which were selected after thorough research to identify the most effective light. Designing the floats for durability and stability was a big challenge and Lincoln enjoyed working with a client in a real-life situation.