Major Design Project Year 12 What is a

Major Design Project Year 12

What is a Major Design Project? • The Major Design Project: – Is worth 60%of the Design and Technology marks at the HSC examination. – Is marked by Board of studies examiners. – Is started at the beginning of the HSC year. – Is a practical hands on activity the student must create. – Can be a Product, System Or environment. (PSE) – Will use the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through related study – Is a practical project as well as a portfolio which documents the Project Proposal, Project Management, Project Development, Realisation and Evaluation. – Is an excellent means of showing your future prospective employer what skills you have developed and the level of determination you possess to finish such a comprehensive project.

What are Products, Systems and Environments • These are the terms used by the Board of Studies to make teachers and students aware of the wide range of possibilities available to students for a major design project in Design and Technology. • It is not necessary to categorise as either a product, system or environment.

A Product • Is a 3 D object which has a purpose • Examples of products are: – – – – – An item of furniture A surfboard A vehicle A tool for a specific task A car trailer An item of jewellery A windsurfer A fashion garment A textile article A publication

System • Is a sequence which makes a process more efficient. • Examples of systems are: – A food service unit – Marketing/ management strategy for a new product – A production line for a new product – A traffic control system – A security system – A plan to save work and increase productivity – A system to move stage props during a scene change – A computer system for data analysis

Environment • Is an area which may need re-organising. – Organising a weight training room – Management of an eco system – An ergonomically designed work environment – A housing estate – A town or city plan – A restaurant – A café – A fun park

How will you MDP be marked. • Major projects are generally marked at your school. In the last 3 weeks of term 3. • Markers generally have about 15 minutes to mark each project • Examiners are the only ones permitted in the room while marking • Examiners will have a checklist provided In your workbook. • The MDP must be finished by week 7 of term 3 • Each student must certify that the work is there own along with the teacher. And declare any work completed by others (outsourcing)

Advice on selecting your MDP • Select a MDP: – Which reflects your interests and ability; if you are interested in the project and have good skills in the material/s selected, you will be more likely to make a good job of it and you are less likely to run out of enthusiasm. – Which you can use to your advantage when it is finished, as a gift, to sell or show a prospective employer. – Reflect your ability, don’t be to adventurous by selecting a product which is too difficult. Why? – Which is innovative and creative and a simple solution. Remember size does not matter – Within your budget – big and expensive are not assessed – You can get assistance with locally. Who might you ask? – Keep outsourcing to a minimum – Have the wow factor – Which your teacher has approved ( they can help to assess if the project is suitable to your skill, knowledge level and level of determination).