Subject description

Stage 2 Design, Technology, and Engineering is a 20-credit subject. 

In Design, Technology, and Engineering students use design and realisation process to engineer solutions for the development of products or systems. Design, Technology, and Engineering has four contexts: digital communication solutions, industry and entrepreneurial solutions, material solutions, and robotic and electronic systems. 

The subject provides a flexible framework that encourages students to be creative, innovative, and enterprising in their chosen context. They apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and incorporate technologies to address design problems and challenges. This subject incorporates the transfer of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge and promotes individualised and inquiry-based learning. Design, Technology, and Engineering provides opportunities for students to apply engineering processes and use new and evolving technologies.  

In Stage 2 students use an iterative design process to explore possible solutions to a problem or opportunity. They investigate and analyse the purpose, design features, materials, and production techniques used in diverse situations including industry, community, and tertiary organisations. This information is used to create a design brief that provides the basis for the development of potential solutions. The importance of the design process as a preliminary to the realisation process is emphasised, as is ongoing evaluation of the solution and vice versa. 

In this subject, a ‘solution’ is an outcome of the design and realisation process in relation to the chosen context. A solution could be fully realised or a model, prototype, system, part, process (i.e. procedures to output a product), or product. 

Students analyse influences on a solution including ethical, legal, economic, and/or sustainability issues. They consider the practical implications of these issues on society or on design solutions. 

Students apply appropriate skills, processes, procedures and techniques whilst implementing safe work practices when creating the solution. 

Student learning is reported for the following contexts: 

• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Digital Communication Solutions 
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Industry and Entrepreneurial Solutions 
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Material Solutions 
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Robotic and Electronic Systems.