Utility bag for moshpits at concerts
The primary objective for my Major Design Project was to enhance the overall experience of audience members in the atmosphere of live music mosh-pits. My passion for attending live music shows inspired me to complete this project to improve conditions for concert-goers.

The target market for my project was identified as Australian adolescents and young adults, ranging in age from 16-25, including both males and females, who frequent live music concerts in standing admission areas.

During the research phase, I identified a gap within the market for bags tailored specifically for use during concert, which prioritise functionality while adhering to the size requirements imposed by music venues. My final design solution was a strategically developed crossbody bag, with pockets designed to carry personal belongings deemed essential by the target market, and adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for everyone.

The final prototype of my design has proven highly successful, validated by real-world testing within an authentic standing pit at a live music event.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Facility
My Major Design Project addressed the unique requirements for an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Facility. I experimented with ways to effectively incorporate the main components required and designed a facility offering this form of therapy. The target market is individuals living in regional NSW who wish to experience and gain access to equine therapy. I became interested in learning more about equine therapy through my affection for horses and wanting to learn more about how these beautiful animals can help others. Constructing an architectural model of an equine assisted psychotherapy facility, was a way to channel this passion, understanding the importance of both the physical layout and also the emotional atmosphere that can positively impact those struggling with their mental health. I ensured that all components in this model related to a specific section of the therapy program and served all the purposes that would be required if it was to be built. I used feedback provided by an existing business owner to ensure the end result is an appropriate design for the project.

Cross contamination prevention device for baristas
The aim of my Major Project was to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during coffee production in a commercial café setting. My motivation for this project stems from my own personal experience with the effect of cross-contamination, due to my severe food allergies. My parents own a café and I am familiar with that environment. I have observed the risk of cross-contamination increase with the popularity of different milk varieties. On a typical day, baristas will make coffees of all types, now with all different types of milk. The move away from dairy milk is driven by intolerances, allergies, sensitivities, preference and now even trend.

My design works by differentiating the various types of milk with a different colour, shape and texture in an individual clip for each milk type. The intention is for each of these features to be an identifying factor for the barista when they pick it up the milk jug - either by glancing at the bright colour, identifying the texture or shape.

Through this process, I have communicated with my mentor - a local experienced barista, and I have been able to regularly get feedback from my target market to improve the product design.

Social Housing
My major Project was to redesign Social Housing within the Blacktown Council area. Social Housing is a form of affordable rental housing and includes public, community and Aboriginal housing. Social Housing is often a safety net for people experiencing complex social disadvantage, housing stress or homelessness.

The design prioritises maximising land use, thereby improve the living conditions of those who are financially unstable, and reducing levels of homelessness. I worked with Blacktown Council to design housing which will be more affordable and suitable for a range of family sizes which creates economic growth. My target market for this project is people living within Social Housing and Blacktown Council who funding the homes. I constructed an architectural model to show what my design would look like, giving my target market an accurate representation of my proposal.

Adaptable wheelchair attachment
The aim for my Major Work Project was to create an adjustable wheelchair attachment to increase the independence of manual wheelchair users. This was achieved through the creation of a product that changes shape to hold a range of different items. My motivation for this project derived from speaking to my target market, a manual wheelchair user and my mentor, an occupational therapist, who specialises in spinal cord injuries. They both alluded to a gap in the market for a product or system that allows for the transportation of different objects without the help of an aid.

Through a long and difficult process of testing and designing different mechanism that enabled me to create a surface that can collapse and expand. I created a small, compact product that can attach to a range of locations on a wheelchair. The product has a centre panel with small grooves and indentations to grip to a cup, as well as two side panels that can be lifted to increase the size of the surface. Lastly a front panel can also lift up and expand to further increase the designs surface area. To hold a range of items in place, I attached two adjustable elastic straps which could attach to a range of clips located on the product in order to adjust and hold a range of different shaped items.

Fishing tackle disposal system
The aim for my major project was to reduce the negative impact of fishing tackle on the environment. The largest component of my product is the disposal unit. This is designed to be installed at fishing sites. I designed the unit with Morrison Bay Park specifically in mind. Once the fishing trip is complete, anglers empty their broken or unwanted tackle into the disposal unit.

Additionally, I designed a reusable tackle container. This portable and compact container can be borrowed from the side of the disposal unit. Anglers can easily place hooks, sinkers, lines, and other tackle items inside the container, empty the tackle into the disposal unit at the end of their trip and return the container for the next person to use. For anglers who want a container for themselves and want to fish at wharves without the disposal unit, there is a marketable version of the container intended to be sold in retail stores. This reusable product consists of the tackle container accompanied by thoughtful packaging showcasing the product's environmental mission.

Collectively, these components create a comprehensive solution addressing the negative impacts of littered fishing tackle. The project's success in reducing litter and promoting environmental responsibility is evidenced by user-reported reductions in discarded tackle and positive feedback from mentors. The actual disposal unit, the reusable tackle container, and the product with packaging work harmoniously to encourage responsible angling practices, reduce marine litter, and contribute to the broader mission of protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Aiding the elderly post fall
My Major Project explores elderly mobility and falls. I became motivated to design something that would give independence and confidence to the user after witnessing the repercussions of falls through the experiences of my grandparents. I used feedback from the target market of older individuals, as well as a geriatrician. Both provided me with feedback that was critical to the development of the project. I decided to redesign a walking stick as I believe it is a practical solution to the need as most elderly individuals are directed by medical professionals to use a walking stick at all times. The prototype solution incorporates a walking stick ensuring the solution is accessible. Using tools within the TAS Workshop and the 3D Printer, this project was a very enjoyable challenge. It was interesting and enabled me to refine my problem solving and creativity skills.

Teenage mental health application
My Major Design Project is a teenage mental health application which assists teenagers struggling with anxiety and depression. The app guides teenagers to seek help and supports them to relax and stay positive. My project aims to give teenagers a safe space on their phones with an app to document their thoughts, feelings and emotions including ‘rants’. It also guides them in activities like meditation, and breathing exercises. I chose this area of investigation as it is a serious topic in society. It is an issue commonly spoken about yet is still a struggle teenagers face daily, often without seeking help. Feeling strong emotions at times is totally normal and okay, however some mental health issues are long lasting and impact adolescents within their daily life for extended periods of time. My Major Project seeks to address these issues.

Learning resource

I developed these learning resources to support Stage 4 students in their educational journey, drawing inspiration from my own personal experiences and learning difficulties while transitioning from primary school to high school. The design is informed by the two modes of thinking, and the PEN Principles, with the aim of enhancing students' learning experiences within the school environment.

The two modes of thinking, focused and diffused, are integral to our cognitive processes. Diffused thinking occurs when individuals step away from their immediate learning tasks and engage in subconscious reflection, allowing them to grasp the bigger picture. The PEN Principles, on the other hand, are a set of theories that guide neuroscientists in understanding how children learn effectively. Within my final design, I integrated specific PEN Principles that align with my objectives.

Spacing Out Practices enhances memory by incorporating spacing techniques into resources so students can optimise their memory retention by revisiting and reinforcing their learning materials over time.

Multitasking Impairs Memory and Learning recognises the detrimental effects of multitasking. My resources encourage students to focus on one task at a time, promoting better memory retention and comprehension.

Active Recall Trumps Passive Review encourages active learning and recall, emphasising the importance of actively engaging with the material rather than passively reviewing it, which enhances memory and understanding.

Find the Story Behind the Fact incorporates storytelling elements.

My resources help students connect with the subject matter on a deeper level, making it easier to remember and apply in exams and tests.

These theories and principles have been integrated into my resources to empower my target audience, of Year 7 and 8 students, to develop and refine their skills. Furthermore, these resources are designed to facilitate the storage of information into their long-term memory, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel during exam and test periods.