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 3D 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).