The Swinburne School Show features 10 projects from the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design), Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design), Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture), and Bachelor of Engineering (Product Design Engineering) programs. The projects range from a wearable device that helps people with anxiety to a modular furniture system that adapts to different spaces and needs.
Designing for mental health and wellbeing
One of the projects that addresses the issue of mental health and wellbeing is Anxiety Aid, a wearable device that helps people with anxiety cope with stressful situations. The device, designed by communication design student Alyssa Lim, uses biofeedback and haptic feedback to monitor the user’s heart rate and breathing, and provide calming vibrations and sounds. The device also connects to a mobile app that offers guided meditation and relaxation exercises.
Another project that focuses on mental health and wellbeing is Mindful, a digital platform that aims to improve the mental health of young people in rural and remote areas. The platform, designed by communication design student Jasmine Lee, provides access to online counselling, peer support, and self-care resources. The platform also features a gamified system that rewards users for completing positive actions and challenges.
Designing for sustainability and social impact
Some of the projects that demonstrate the students’ commitment to sustainability and social impact are Eco-Brick, Re-Home, and Sustain. Eco-Brick, designed by industrial design student Joshua Chua, is a modular brick system that uses recycled plastic waste as a building material. The bricks can be easily assembled and disassembled, and can be used for various purposes such as temporary shelters, furniture, and playgrounds.
Re-Home, designed by interior architecture student Jiaxin Li, is a modular housing system that aims to provide affordable and adaptable living spaces for low-income families. The system consists of prefabricated units that can be configured in different ways to suit the needs and preferences of the residents. The units also feature smart technologies that enhance the comfort and convenience of the occupants.
Sustain, designed by product design engineering student Lachlan Brown, is a smart irrigation system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize water usage and crop yield. The system collects data from sensors and satellites, and uses algorithms to determine the optimal amount and timing of irrigation for each crop. The system also allows farmers to monitor and control the irrigation remotely via a mobile app.
Designing for creativity and innovation
Some of the projects that showcase the students’ creativity and innovation are Lumiere, Muse, and Orbit. Lumiere, designed by communication design student Emily Chen, is a wearable device that uses light therapy to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The device, which can be worn as a necklace or a bracelet, emits different colors and intensities of light depending on the user’s mood and preference.
Muse, designed by industrial design student Jiaqi Wang, is a smart musical instrument that allows users to create and play music intuitively and expressively. The instrument, which resembles a harp, uses touch sensors and gesture recognition to detect the user’s input and produce sound. The instrument also connects to a mobile app that enables users to record, edit, and share their music.
Orbit, designed by industrial design student Ryan Loh, is a modular furniture system that adapts to different spaces and needs. The system consists of circular modules that can be rotated and rearranged to form different furniture pieces such as tables, chairs, shelves, and beds. The modules also feature wireless charging and smart lighting technologies that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the furniture.
The Swinburne School Show is a testament to the talent and diversity of the students and the quality and relevance of the design programs at Swinburne University of Technology. The projects reflect the students’ passion and vision for creating positive change and impact through design.
