Designing Tomorrow

Wenona's HSC students earn SHAPE nominations for innovation and impact.

When Megan (Year 12) began sketching her HSC Design and Technology Major Project, she was not just thinking about helmets. She was thinking about children with cochlear implants and the challenge they face finding protective headgear that can accommodate their medical devices. Her solution was a bike helmet with a precisely engineered cavity for the implant, while maintaining structural integrity. Her design is now among 15 Wenona projects nominated for SHAPE, the prestigious NESA showcase of exceptional HSC Design work.

It is this marriage of observation and technical excellence that defines this year's cohort of nominees from Wenona's Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) Department. Across both Design and Technology and Textiles and Design, students have approached everything from organ donation awareness to Formula One track design, each project revealing a sophisticated understanding of how thoughtful design can address real-world challenges.

Another example is Felicia’s at-home knee rehabilitation kit, developed after she recognised that issues caused by gaps between physiotherapy appointments. Her solution is a series of interchangeable components that provide visual and audio feedback to users.

Charlotte noticed the strain for students caused by inadequate desk lighting and designed a multidirectional lamp that can switch between focused task lighting and an ambient glow. Lily, understanding the life-or-death importance of temperature control for EpiPens, created an insulated travel case ensuring the medication remains below 26 degrees.

Some projects emerged from highly specific observations. Isla, a rower, identified secure storage as an issue for athletes in scull boats and the need for that storage not to interfere with their stroke. Her solution retrofits into the boat's inspection hole. Zara Y designed a magnetic-lock beach storage device that attaches to handrails after watching beachgoers reluctantly leave valuables unattended. Hannah's student stool with a retractable backrest addresses the ergonomic problem of common room furniture that encourages slouching.

Saskia took a completely different approach to social impact, developing an organ donation awareness campaign centred around a morning tea, where food items are shaped like organs, with an electronic game providing participants with educational information in an engaging format.

Two students ventured into architectural design with impressive ambition. Eloise developed a concept for a Formula One track in Sydney, complete with an architectural design for a pit lane that transforms into a multipurpose sports court when not in use. Evie, concerned about safety gaps at North Curl Curl beach, designed an additional surf lifesaving tower to provide visibility and protection for an unseen area where children swim.

The three Textiles and Design nominations showcase equally sophisticated thinking and clever engineering with fabric. Adriana created an extravagant costume for Snow White and the Huntsman, drawing inspiration from designer Elsa Schiaparelli and the ornate 17th-century Baroque period. Her design features skeletal pleating, gold laser-cut motifs, and digitally printed fabric in the Toile de Jouy style, a technical feat that required mastering both historical research and contemporary digital fabrication.

Amelie’s tailored pantsuit captures Parisian nightclub culture through the lens of the Moulin Rouge, the 2018 Met Gala's ‘Heavenly Bodies’ theme, and Discount Universe's bold aesthetic. The design incorporates metallic beading and religious iconography influenced by Versace and Alexander McQueen, with digitally printed lining that reflects a feminist message.

Tess’s three-piece costume for the Mad Hatter's tea party blends Tim Burton's eccentric vision with Dior's ethereal 2017 collection and the vibrant forms of Gaudí's Park Güell. The corset, trousers, and overskirt feature metallic embroidery, asymmetry, and gothic surrealism - fusing Victorian tailoring with chaotic textures in a design that's simultaneously historical and avant-garde.

Several further Design and Technology projects demonstrate environmental and social awareness that extends beyond aesthetics. Shanti addressed the environmental threat of fast fashion by creating a single garment with an expandable pattern that accommodates a child from age two through seven. Jasmine's bespoke leather handbag system allows customers to select style, material, and colours before receiving a DIY kit which is designed to reduce waste while empowering consumers to create personalised products.

Anvitaa's pocket jewellery, influenced by Indian culture, features interchangeable pieces that connect with magnets and incorporate aromatherapy.

In all, the projects span an impressive range: from Elsie's first aid kit for mountain bikers that doubles as an emergency splint, to Zara M's compact children's entertainment system for restaurants (designed as an alternative to screens and folding into a convenient case). Each demonstrates the ability to identify problems others overlook and develop solutions that are both innovative and implementable.