CONSUMER PRODUCT

Plastic is often targeted as a major contribution to the waste stream however the New Zealand Plastics Industry has a world wide reputation for its combined approach using design and conserving resources as a key component in its manufacturing process.
Once again Plastics New Zealand have contributed to this section and this year there will be three special Plastics New Zealand Awards, one for innovation in the use of Plastics one for use of Recycled Materials and one for the overall top design in the Consumer area.

Students who enter tis section may choose between either:

Product A

Design a bottle and display stand for a sporting drinks company. The bottles are to be distinctive and the stand contains twenty bottles of each product. Because the bottle will be used by active people care and attention should be given to the design in terms of grip, drinking ease, non spill etc.
The stand must incorporate a design feature that promotes the drinks in a manner that draws the sportsperson to the product and must have a cooling function so the product is ready to drink by the purchaser.
Consider your target market 18 to 30 year olds who want design flair with function and style.

Product B

The motoring industry has grown into a “Fashion:” industry and adding value to the look of a motor vehicle has become a passion for many both male and female.
Design a dashboard enclosure that contains a mixture of optional motoring monitors including, rev counter, pressure gauges, touch buttons for extra lighting effects etc.
The design in plastic has to meet the demanding design requirements of your motoring audience who would see this as a key extra to place in their cars that adds value, prestige and is functional in terms of their car.

Plastics New Zealand web site www.plasticsnz.com and www.plastics.org.nz are excellent sites for information. They also have a school education site for information.

ELECTRONIC GOODS

Design a device that uses MP3 technology and would be suitable for your own use. Consider the environment in which you would use this and what you may require such a device to do. The design should concentrate on the application of MP3, rather than the technology itself, although you should find out the basics of MP3. The internet (www.MP3.com) would be a good place to start. This product could be an interactive monitor for the conservation department building.

FURNITURE

Design a set of tables and chairs or bench type seating that would be suitable for use in a the Conservation department area both within the building and in an outdoor setting where people can relax and enjoy the natural sounds and scenery surrounding them. You will need to consider the types of activities that may happen in such an area and the most suitable types of materials, forms and colours to use. Being outdoors and in a public place, you will also need to think about maintenance and vandalism.

LIGHTING

Design a light or lighting system that is suitable for use in an environment in which a student or young person and their friends relaxes such as a night club, cafe or bar or even their own games room at home. Your presentation will need to show that you have considered the type of light source, the heat generated the area of illumination and the suitability of the materials proposed. There may be different requirements for different activities, so you should spend some time thinking about how your target audience relaxes and what they need.

Note: The lighting design could reflect the requirements of the Building in the Build Environment design category.

JUNIOR

Year 9, 10 and 11 students may choose from any of the above sections.

CATEGORY CRITERIA

Comply with all Conditions of Entry and Presentation Criteria.

Any samples must be attached to the presentation sheets. Loose samples are not acceptable.

Photographs of appropriate models are encouraged.

Supply a written report including an evaluation of the design outcome.

CAD design presentation is encouraged in all sections but students will not be penalised if they do not use it.

Include a fully illustrated perspective drawing of the complete design.

Curriculum Areas: Graphics, Design, Art, Technology and Materials Technology

Click here to view last year's Product Design entries. (Opens in a seperate window)

Note: The use of Recovered materials is encouraged in the above categories; see the Recovered Materials Foundation web site www.rmf.org.nz from January 2003