About this Course
Students in year 10 extend their understanding of the product design process by taking on the role of a furniture designer commissioned to design a bespoke coffee table. Students are introduced to the structure of VCE folios as way of documenting their emerging design as it develops from concept to a manufactured product.
The journey begins with a client-focused design brief, supported by research into functional, aesthetic, ethical, and sustainability considerations. Students use this research to inform their design thinking and develop ideas through sketching and 3D modelling. They assess the suitability of materials and technologies, justifying their decisions against predetermined design criteria.
A final design is selected and accurately modelled to scale in Google SketchUp. The model is used to cost materials, ensuring the product stays within budget, and to communicate ideas using graphical techniques and technical terms.
Students develop a detailed production plan that outlines the step-by-step build process, supported by measurements from the 3D model. The production plan also includes a risk assessment and safety procedures. Safe workshop practices are reinforced through an online safety course and classroom instruction.
Once students have manufactured their design they test and evaluate it to see how successful it was at meeting the client’s needs and what areas of the design could be further refined.
Assessment
Each semester, students in Year 10 PDT complete at least one summative assessment task for each of the following areas:
- Folio
- Manufacture
- Exam
Year 10 PDT – and the years leading up to it – are designed to provide students with the key knowledge and skills required for success in VCE PDT. Students will be able to sample all aspects of VCE PDT such as creating a folio, developing a design, costing, planning and evaluating whilst learning the practical skills required to manufacture furniture safely.
