HSC Applied Arts projects 2025
Subject Master Applied Arts Mr Nicholas Green provides a snapshot of this year’s HSC Design and Technology projects.
Winston Blackledge – Universal bench vice
This project addresses the need for a workspace in a housing crisis, making a more compact vice design which suits a broad range of hobbies. Electric arc welding, metal turning and metalworking hand skills were developed to realise a working metal prototype.
Aidan Chapman – Low clearance car alert
Costly mistakes driving cars with bicycles on roof racks into low car parks prompted this design project that experimented with proximity sensors to create a dashboard alert system to remind drivers not to go into low clearance spaces.
Charles Cosgrove –
Multi-use injury prevention gym machine
This design focused on specific exercises for the hands and forearms for rehabilitation or for particular sports. Experimentation in layout and structure led to a welded steel frame incorporating reused parts from other equipment to minimise environmental impacts.
Joshua Dickman –
Personal item organiser and electronic reminder system
This project met a need to assist people prone to hoarding to store frequently used personal items in the purpose-built shelf unit and to use an electronic prompt to remember what to take and return for certain activities.
Alexander Hauer – New frontier in go karting
The intention of the project is to design a more ergonomic, safe, affordable, and enjoyable go kart that can deliver a more rewarding experience from its use, aimed at the junior racing community.
Zain Lutfi – Smart outdoor furniture
The need for this design included allowing people to maximise connectivity and WFH opportunities in public spaces. The outdoor park furniture incorporated a fold-out bench surface for laptops and a sun-tracking solar charger for phones.
Julian Marsden – Breast binder with integrated wearable technology
This design addressed the need for a gender-affirming, comfortable, affordable chest binder to help address gender dysphoria. The in-built electronics and sensors in the binder can track body metrics and alert the wearer to potentially unsafe changes.
Thomas Mulhearn – Bearded dragon care
This project aims to provide the tools and techniques for effective bearded dragon care, as well as solving problems with care with solutions that previously did not exist. The exterior box is made from Tasmanian blackwood for the main body, and recycled timbers for the lid.
Peter Myatt – Waterproof memory holder
This project addresses the unique needs of people with issues related to memory and organisation through creating a unique refillable journal design, accompanied by a waterproof and durable aluminium case. This was developed through an innovative iterative design process.
Curtis Pepper – Modular furniture
This project addresses the space-saving features of multifunctional household furniture. It uses vacuum press technology to bend thin glued timber together over a mould and uses tambour slats incorporated into the seat and table part to allow the piece to slide between the different formats.
Tristan Schulz – Portable weights bench
This project addresses the need for accessible resistance training for rehabilitation and training purposes. The gym bench folds flat to enable compact storage and portability and is made with a variety of materials and techniques including metalwork and upholstery.
Felix Smith – Foosball table outdoor socialisation encouragement
The positive social and physical effects of competitive games for group activities were included in developing this foosball table intended for public use. Modelling was used to fine-tune dimensions before the finished design was cut to size with the computer router.
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
