Secondary Catalogue

For many new agricultural technologies, feasibility issues need to be considered before they can be adopted by farmers and businesses. This video explains why scientific verification and practical adoption of technology are both important and discusses the long-term aims of new technologies, with insight from scientists at agricultural research institutes. A highly relevant resource for senior secondary and tertiary students studying design technology, earth and environmental sciences or agriculture. Show Less

New technologies in the agricultural industry can have environmental, social and economic impacts. This video explores the technology that targets methane emissions, how fruit yield and quality can lead to greater profitability and how commercial farmers actually interact with technology, with insight from scientists at agricultural research institutes. A highly relevant resource for senior secondary and tertiary students studying design technology, earth and environmental sciences or agriculture. Show Less

Agricultural processes have a large-scale impact on natural resources and ecosystems and many businesses are turning to technology to help. This video introduces some issues that agricultural technologies aim to address, including water scarcity, farm waste and sustainability, with insight from scientists at agricultural research institutes. A highly relevant resource for senior secondary and tertiary students studying design technology, earth and environmental sciences or agriculture. Show Less

Before agricultural technologies can be adopted by businesses, they need to be thoroughly tested and evaluated. This video looks at the techniques and systems researchers use to collect and evaluate data, such as internet-connected sensors and the SF6 tracer, with insight from scientists at agricultural research institutes. A highly relevant resource for senior secondary and tertiary students studying design technology, earth and environmental sciences or agriculture. Show Less

The testing, evaluation and refinement stage is an integral part of the engineering design process. This video investigates three real-world projects requiring different testing methods, uncovering why testing is crucial to achieve finished products that fit the brief. Engineering students will benefit from interviews with engineers who worked on the Deepsea Challenger life support sphere, the Morph Wheels foldable wheelchair wheel, and the Fliteboard electric hydrofoil. Show Less

A critical aspect of design is the selection of materials to make a product. Physical and chemical properties, cost and availability, and social, ethical and environmental impacts of materials are all important considerations. This video explores criteria for selecting the best materials for engineering projects by following three exciting case studies: the Deepsea Challenger life support sphere, Morph Wheels foldable wheelchair wheel, and Fliteboard electric hydrofoil. Show Less

Engineers can face many design challenges when undertaking a project. Identifying problems is the crucial first step in the process of designing solutions. This video looks at some unique challenges and the approaches that real-world companies take to tackle them in three exciting case studies: the Deepsea Challenger life support sphere, Morph Wheels foldable wheelchair wheel, and Fliteboard electric hydrofoil. Show Less

Engineering, construction and structural design have come a long way since humans first got here. This clip looks at modern design and construction materials, and provides glimpses of the future, as technology and our understanding of environmental impact and sustainability shapes our approach. It examines preferred futures, modern techniques and materials, and provides an insight to the design and construction of Dubai’s towering Burj Khalifa. Show Less

Human structures must be designed to withstand a range of forces. Here, three types of forces causing stress on structures are highlighted – bending, torsion and shear. Each one is defined, and different construction techniques are examined, with a particular focus on bridge-building. This clip provides secondary and vocational design and technology students with an insight to how structural design and construction techniques overcome massive stress forces. Show Less

A number of different design and structural elements are used in constructions – from the most simple to highly complex. This clip explores three common construction elements – columns, beams and cantilevers – defining each and providing different examples of where they are used in a range of different structures. Secondary and vocational students of design and technology will find this a useful and engaging learning resource. Show Less

Over millennia, human-built structures have become bigger, more complex and quicker to build. A key to this has been understanding how forces behave. This clip looks at two types of opposing forces – tension and compression – defining them and presenting a range of real-world examples and how those forces impact on structural design. It is an ideal resource for secondary and vocational students of design and technology. Show Less

Companies and other organisations rely on logos to convey information and create brand recognition. Their design is critical – time, creativity, expertise and often, vast sums of money, are invested into their creation – but what are the principles and elements of excellent logo design? This program explores various aspects of logo design including the various purposes for which logos are required, how they might be used and the different places they might be displayed, the logo design process and the importance of excellent communication with clients. Expert comments come from Deakin University lecturer Dr Meghan Kelly, commercial designers Stephen Davey and Chelsea Koetsveld, and one of her clients, business owner Nick McEwan-Hall. Show Less

Websites are the primary means of communication with the world for businesses and other organisations, governments, groups and individuals. They perform a range of functions and many considerations go into their design. This programme explores the importance of effective and functional website design and the design process, including establishing a brief, creating base templates and style sheets, constructing and populating a site, testing and launch. Expert comments are provided by commercial designer Stephen Davey from Pagination, and Dr Meghan Kelly from Deakin University. Show Less

This unit introduces technology, robotics and machines through Robokot and Elesapian, two entertaining characters who bring this topic to life. This unit introduces the history of technology and explains the fundamentals of robotics. By playing games and solving activities, students will learn what a robot is and the difference between a robot and other complex machines. They will also learn the concept of programming and will discover all the areas in which robots are now a reality in their everyday lives. Also introduced is the concept of simple machines such as pulleys, screws, wheels and inclined planes, as well as how machines are used by people around the world and how this is linked to progress. By reasoning and solving the included resources and activities students will be able to learn about different types of machines and how they are used, and they will understand the concept of efficiency at performing a certain task. Show Less

A guide through the sometimes diverse ideas, designs and innovations that developed during the postmodern era. Includes footage filmed at the Alessi factory and museum and other Milan design houses, and interviews with Alberto Alessi himself, Memphis designer, George Sowden and postmodern architect and designer, Mendini. We also take a look round the V&A's Postmodernism exhibition with its curator. Show Less

Explore the ideas, materials, colours and technologies adopted by Pop Art. Then examine how this movement created new images, shapes and forms that continue to influence artists and designers today. Filmed in the UK and New York this resource talks to leading designers about how the work of pop artists like Lichtenstein, Warhol and Sir Peter Blake, continue to influence design. Show Less

For many years people have developed and used tools controlled directly by people, control systems have been around for hundreds of years before computers were invented. Currently we are experiencing a challenging period of time where computer controlled technology extends human capabilities. This video aimed at Design, Engineering and Computer Studies students introduces Computer Controlled Systems, Block diagrams and applications of computer controlled systems. Open and closed loop systems, microprocessors, sensors and actuators are introduced. We look at EFTPOS machines, Robots, Manufacturing and Product Control, Multimedia Entertainment and Education and Medical applications. Show Less

This program examines the properties, characteristics and applications of some of the smart materials used in the graphics industry. Case studies include labels and packaging that use thermochromic inks, emergency and safety signage that incorporate phosphorescent and fluorescent paints and inks, and photochromic dyes that are used for anti-counterfeiting measures and reactive glasses. Show Less

This video aims to teach students an understanding of managing the various elements of design projects. The video emphasises the importance of managing design projects and introduces elements of project management, emphasising real- world scenarios. The video explores alternative ways to articulate the values and benefits of design. The video shows how designers are expected to conceptualise, develop and produce a design proposal that fulfils a distinctive brief with financial, time, business, cultural and social constraints. Show Less

Every design, no matter its form or function, is inspired by something. And it’s this often elusive "something" which is explored in this thought-provoking programme for design and creative arts audiences. Exactly where do designers get their ideas from? How do the environment, culture and history shape designers outlooks? Can collaboration create an inspired design? How do inspiration and innovation relate to each other? Modern design, powered by new technology and production methods, is undoubtedly pushing the limits of human ingenuity. Viewers will enjoy this journey into the minds of designers and wonder if they too can breathe life into an idea of their own. Show Less

Design is a fundamental way in which we express ourselves. And the designer is involved in every stage of the process, from the initial idea, to production and testing, and to eventual use. A perfect resource for design and engineering audiences across the board, this investigative-styled programme examines the key stages of the design process and the factors which influence this process. Experts in architecture, industrial design, sustainable design and product development discuss how they approach a project and what it's like working with clients and colleagues. Visually-stunning and a fascinating insight into a creative, high-pressured industry, viewers will experience how a design goes from imagination to reality. Show Less

With extraordinary access to the latest research and development, this resource explores cutting edge smart materials finding out how they are made, how they work and what their potential applications are both now and in the future. Case studies include; shape memory alloys and thermochromatic plastics, as well as QTC and how it is being used by electronics companies to revolutionise touch screen technology and how smart organic compounds are making it possible to print electrical components onto plastic sheets. Show Less

This program investigates the steps taken by fashion designers to develop their ideas into end products, from that initial spark of inspiration to final production. Throughout the program viewers see how fashion designers use various tools, equipment and drawing techniques to visually display their inspirations and ideas, how they use of computer aided design (CAD) to enhance and support their work, and finally, the steps involved in sampling, pattern making and production. The program is further enhanced by insightful interviews with top fashion designers including legendary Australian fashion designer, Akira Isogawa, Vanessa Rochman, head designer at Metallicus, and textiles designer Kaffe Fassett. Show Less

Broken into three distinct sections – Architectural Design, Craft Design, and Industrial Design – this programme explores the work of three vastly different designers. In ‘Architectural Design’ we talk to Aaron Wallis and Wade Trevaen from Convic Design, architects of the world’s largest skate park in Shanghai, China. In ‘Craft Design’ we visit Steve Baker, glass blower from Bristol Blue Glass, producers of fine hand-blown glassware. And in ‘Industrial Design’ we hear from Alicia Mintzes, designer of Sharp Safe, a prototype sharps disposal unit for public spaces. We ask these designers a range of questions and see them in action to reveal their design process. Show Less