HSC Design and Technology Major Projects are a great creative outlet for students during the HSC. If chosen with content-heavy, intense subjects, major projects can allow balance so that you don’t get too bogged down by notes. Whilst at times they can be cruisy, the work of a major project can accumulate very quickly, and poor management can rob you of marks you deserve. Here are some tips to make sure you’re on top of your major project in the leadup to the due date and trials.

1. Ensure everything is up to date.

Section 1 is supposed to be finished by this point, but some components can be left blank for the sake of procrastination. I would strongly suggest to just set an afternoon aside, bite the bullet, and make sure everything is up to date documentation-wise. This can also save a lot of cramming later on, because students can rush certain parts purely because they can be crammed at the end. For example, some of the progressive evaluations. I would not recommend this, because there is significant room for mistakes and little leg room for time to adjust your entire portfolio if needed. Getting it done sooner is much better than later.

2. Have a plan of action.

The weeks leading to the trials are stressful for DT students, and for all major project students; because the due date is right around the corner. It can be hard to balance study and a major project, but making sure you have a plan of attack is a great way to alleviate stress. Your plan also depends on the nature of your project; for example, I knew that I could be flexible with how I completed my MDP because it was computer-based. If your project requires class time, such as a workshop, then make sure to use this time effectively. Have weekly goals to complete certain sections of the portfolio or your project. Planning these out long-term can really help with managing everything, and ensure you’re on task to finishing on-time. The time action plan developed in Section 1 can actually be very useful!

3. There are some things you can’t cram.

It’s inevitable; you will spend at least one late night with your MDP, trying to get something finished or pushing to get a section of the portfolio done. This is okay in short bursts, and can be helpful to an extent. For me, my plans didn’t always GO to plan, so these short bursts of late night MDP-ing helped me finish on time. But know that you can only do this successfully for certain parts of the portfolio or for your project (depending on what type of project it is). I would definitely not recommend this for a workshop component of your project, or anything building/material related; the design processes which need time to be successful. Therefore take these things into your plan of action; making sure you spend your time most efficiently.

Finally, make sure to try your best in all aspects of the portfolio, because that may be the section the marker reads to judge your whole project!

Good luck!

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