SPRINT ONE
April 2023
Sprint One focused on two-dimensional design and the fundamentals of visual communication as a storytelling method. Sprint participants abandoned digital tools and worked with pencils, paint, markers, collage and found objects. Through examining composition and form, the students gained insights into the strategy and design considerations that professional communication designers work with daily
Students heard from Jake Muir, Swinburne Alumnus and the creative director and owner/partner of Canyon Brand Design Studio. Jake presented Canyon’s strategic redesign of three AFL teams (Richmond, Western Bulldogs and Kangaroos).
Other notable visitors were the Vice Chancellor of Swinburne University, Pascale Quester, and Australia’s Attorney General, Mark Dreyfuss, who spoke to students about life-changing opportunities that are possible through education. In addition, Melbourne Storm’s Aaron Pene, Jayden Nikorima and Eli Katoa – NRL players with proud Pasifika heritage – shared information about their personal challenges and triumphs.
Working both individually and in teams, the youth conceptualised individual designs for NRL training jerseys. Then, they combined the designs into one team jersey (link/hover) that underwent further refinement in Sprint two.
“On day one, I had a lot of conversations, where at least four of the students said they were not sure [if they want to pursue higher education]. Those four have now turned around and said, can we talk to you about coming to university?”
– Prof. Sivanes Phillipson | Project Lead Sa’ili Le Ala Discovery Sprints
An interesting thing that I discovered during the session is how art can tell a story.
– Juliana | Student
Through the sprint, I want to experiencing university life, and actually getting to see the equipment and process that’s behind big projects.
– Margaret | Student
Inspired me to pursue my career pathway (Architecture).
– Savannah | Student
Working on the Swinburne Sa’ ili Le Ala Discovery Sprints has been an amazing opportunity. A major highlight for me would have to be working with the students to create an NRL jersey and ball. I cannot wait to see the final design outcomes realised. It will be a special moment to remember
– James Pappalardo | Design Sprinter
The best and most interesting discovery was my knowledge development about my culture.
– Fetuliaina | Student
I love getting the opportunity to create my own NRL jersey and have my family’s last name on the back.
– Keilani | Student
I found that you don’t need to be good at art to be creative.
– Lani | Student
The Sprints were wonderful opportunities to bring a whole new stream of creativity and cultural experience onto campus here at Swinburne – I honestly think I have learnt as much as I passed on to the students. The energy and creativity of the people taking part in the Sprints is nothing short of inspiring. Helping to guide all of that is more like a high-wire act of collaboration than a teaching experience. - Malcolm Turner | Workshop Leader
It’s been really good, socialising with new people and stuff. I liked the jersey design project because everyone was sharing their ideas. So yeah, it was really nice to see everyone, working as a team. – Dom
We’ve done a lot of exciting things but one of the core memories I have of this discovery Sprint is The Amazing Race that we took part in. It was so random but I remember running and sweating and it was gross, because I don’t like sweating, but I actually ran for the first time and it was good to work in a team with other young peoples.
– Leilani
Melbourne Storm’s, Jayden Nikorima cited his favourite quote: ‘Everybody wants to be a beast until it’s time to do what real beasts do’ as a reminder for young people that it is important to apply themselves and use their talents if they want to be that person who they aspire to be.
‘There’s a saying that goes, don’t leave no stone unturned, so turn the stone over. If you don’t like it, you can always go back and or turn another stone over’. Melbourne Storm’s Aaron Pene’s advice encouraged the students to explore all options and make the most of every opportunity.
Discover Final Outcomes
In the first Sprint, students worked individually to design an NRL training jersey. As part of the process, teams were asked to combine the individual designs into two cohesive jerseys (front, back and sides) that represented their team.
