Dezeen School Shows: an installation that aims to make visitors feel like sea creatures in a plastic-filled ocean is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.

Also included is a tattoo machine that allows for greater control and an item of headgear that aims to help sports players recover from concussions.

Swinburne University of Technology

Institution: Swinburne University of Technology
School: Swinburne School of Design and Architecture
Course: Department of Communication Design and Department of Architectural and Industrial Design
Tutors: Professor Blair Kuys (Dean of Design), Dr Charles Ranscombe, Morganna Magee, Anna Caione, Dr Phuong Quoc Dinh, Anthony Elliott, Sebastian Funke and Peter Hvala

School statement:

"Swinburne's School of Design and Architecture leads the world in high-quality, industry-relevant, technology-led design education and research.

"We pursue future production and interaction technologies, design for health and wellbeing and sustainable urban ecologies.

"Our innovative courses are grounded in design history, theory, culture and diversity with our undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers embracing global challenges and spanning disciplines.

"Our graduates are renowned internationally for their creative leadership."

The Satellite Tattoo Machine by Tori Hendy

"The Satellite Tattoo Machine marks a substantial advancement in the tattoo industry, with a primary focus on user wellbeing and convenience. Utilising innovative technologies it provides a high level of adaptability for tattoo artists.

"Key features include the ability to customise needle speed and stroke as well as needle depth, offering artists exceptional control over a wide range of tattooing applications.

"Safety is a paramount concern, achieved through the integration of an advanced electromagnetic linear actuator and vibration isolation technologies.

"These measures effectively reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal issues. The Satellite Tattoo Machine stands as a versatile, safe and user-centric innovation within the tattooing industry."

Student: Tori Hendy
Course: Product Design Engineering
Tutor: Mark Strachan
Email: torihendypd[at]gmail.com

Anthos by Mary Gavrilidou

"Anthos is a representation of growing up and trying to find the self. It is an abstract story, where a poem takes place alongside the imagery as it inflicts questions about identity and ongoing change.

"Anthos illustrates the physical and mental growth of the self, having a strong focus on important life events such as birth, bringing family together, falling in love, experiencing grief and having free will.

"A key message in this story is that uncertainty and change should not be feared, as well as not limiting the self nor putting it in a metaphorical box."

Student: Mary Gavrilidou
Course: Photo Media
Tutor: Morganna Magee
Email: 103590559[at]student.swin.edu.au

Fluid Sense by Simone Clamp

"In a world that is obsessed with the overconsumption of plastic goods, this exhibition focuses on how we might consider limiting the use of plastic in our day-to-day lives.

"I have intended to evoke a sense of overwhelm and contemplation within the space to create a sense of urgency.

"The organisation 4Ocean has heavily inspired the philosophy behind my exhibition – they focus on cleaning up massive amounts of plastic that have made their way into bodies of water.

"Unfortunately, plastic is destroying plant and marine life and is disturbing ecosystems, microbiomes and the biodiversity of our land.

"As the audience walks into the space this concept is reflected, allowing spectators to feel as if they are a small sea creature amongst a large plastic-filled ocean.

"I have explored how plastic items and netting that have been collected within our oceans can be curated up and around the walls of the interior."

Student: Simone Clamp
Course: Branded Environment
Tutor: Anna Caione
Email: simoneclamp[at]outlook.com

Voglio Caffe by Gabrielle Versace

"Responding to the question of 'how might we use food to engage people with Italian immigrant culture in Australia?', Voglio Caffe was created as a culturally immersive coffee brand to preserve Italo-Australian history.

"The product packaging utilises traditional drinking customs to craft history transfer through a tangible, sensory journey.

"Voglio Caffe – meaning 'I want coffee' – tells stories of diversity and multiculturalism through a ritualistic, lived experience of 'Italianita, Italian Spirit."

Student: Gabrielle Versace
Course: Communication Design
Tutor: Anthony Elliott

2 + 2 by Katerina Hionis

"2 + 2 is an interactive website that explores the manipulation of privacy, politics and facts in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) through a contemporary lens.

"Quotes from the novel are submitted to redaction and layering to convey the effects of propaganda and surveillance in ways relevant to 21 to 30-year-olds.

"Motion typography illustrates data falsification in real time, reinforcing how misinformation and propaganda overpower truth.

"To access the privacy section, the user's ID number is identified. The website opens the intrusive data profile of a 23-year-old, comparing Nineteen Eighty-Four's telescreens to data collection today."

Student: Katerina Hionis
Course: Communication Design
Tutor: Anthony Elliott

TBI-RD+ by Sam Simms

"Concussion awareness is increasing, especially in sports-related contexts. Recognising and effectively managing concussions is crucial for long-term health.

"After a concussion, external factors like light and sound sensitivity can worsen symptoms and impede recovery – sports-related concussions happen in settings where controlling these factors is especially challenging.

"The proposed concept called TBI-RD+ introduces a device for immediate use after a significant head injury, offering timely care and support.

"The device includes a removable visor to manage light sensitivity and ear protectors for sound sensitivity and control. Modular and adjustable construction caters to the patient's needs, gradually returning them to their daily routines."

Student: Sam Simms
Course: Industrial Design
Tutor: Dr Charles Ranscombe
Email: 101043132[at]student.swin.edu.au

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Swinburne University of Technology. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.