FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN SPECIALISATIONS: A CENTRE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPOSITES

DS 82: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE15), Great Expectations: Design Teaching, Research & Enterprise, Loughborough, UK, 03-04.09.2015

Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Trathen, Stephen; Pianca, Eddi; Montana Hoyas, Carlos; Shelley, Bill
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1University of Canberra Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), 2University of Canberra, Faculty of Arts and Design
Section: Enterprise
Page(s): 462-467
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9

Abstract

This paper explores the potential to apply practice-led research findings to reforms in design
education. Recent research in design for sports highlights the need for optimum use of contemporary
materials, and the challenge of building new models of adaptive and resilient design practice is
increasingly prominent. These new approaches are based on the use and knowledge of High
Performance Composites (HPC), and how these materials may be used in future product design. A
wide range of opportunities are possible, including product design for domestic settings, aged care,
health services, people with disabilities and sporting markets.
Firstly, the paper describes improvements to Skeleton sleds for the Australian team competing in the
2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. The intense 4 month project consisted of two priority
deliverables: Priority 1 was the design and fabrication of 5 pans to fit existing sled frames. Priority 2
involved the design and fabrication of 5 adjustable saddles and handles with a tailored individual
insert for each specified athlete.
Secondly, the paper outlines the 16 month development of competitive Snowboard Cross bindings for
an elite Olympic athlete. The paper outlines how learnings from the Skeleton and Snowboard binding
projects are being catalysed as vehicles to create knowledge transfer tools and help build future design
and manufacture applications in Australia. This addresses critical issues surrounding the fragmented
approach to the design of High Performance Composites (HPC) products in identified markets. It also
provides opportunities to better coordinate Industrial Design education, while improving research and
fabrication knowledge transfer to undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers.

Keywords: Design education, design for sport, composites materials, industrial design.