2027 HKDSE DAT SBA Project (Toilet Paper Dispenser) – Student Kit Support Workshop
A hands-on workshop based on the 2027 HKDSE Design and Applied Technology (DAT) School-based Assessment (SBA) project, ‘Toilet Paper Dispenser.’ Work through needs analysis, specifications, 3D design, prototyping and basic programming with the project controller board, leaving time to focus on the overall design and build.
Level
Senior Secondary
Course Topics
Engineering Design, Product Prototyping, 3D Printing, 3D Design, Project-based Learning, Course Support, School Based Assessment (SBA)
Course Length
6–8 sessions, 2 hours per session
Learning Objectives
Explain 3D printing principles, common materials and safety practices, and how they apply to making dispenser components.
Follow the product design process to prepare a project brief and testable specifications.
Use Autodesk Fusion feature-based modelling to create toilet paper dispenser components or a 3D prototype.
Use Micro:bit/Arduino for basic programming, then test the controller board and electronic components in the prototype.
Course Outline
We use the first project in the 2027 HKDSE Design and Applied Technology (DAT) School-based Assessment (SBA) brief — “Toilet Paper Dispenser” — as a practice scenario. Students work from needs analysis and specification writing through prototype building and testing. They experience each stage of the design process and practise explaining their design choices and improvements.
Identify design opportunities and user needs: Start with the use context and identify the target users’ needs.
Set specifications and select technologies and components: Turn needs into testable requirements and explore suitable structures, control methods and components.
Build a product prototype: Use appropriate technologies, materials, components and programming to turn a design concept into a prototype that can be tested.
Evaluate and improve: Test the mechanical structure and control functions, then refine the design based on the results.
Present the finished product: Explain how the design responds to the specifications and describe the prototyping and improvement process.
Technology for prototype development
Use Autodesk Fusion feature-based modelling to create components and export dimensioned drawings, renderings and files for 3D printing or laser cutting.
Apply 3D design concepts to plan the form, structure and fit of the components.
Practise basic programming and electronic component assembly to integrate control functions into the prototype.
Controller board for the project
The workshop can be paired with the controller board designed for this project. It gives students a suitable control component to start with, leaving more time to focus on the overall design, prototype and tests. The course and product complement each other. For details, see the 2027 HKDSE DAT SBA Toilet Paper Dispenser Controller Board.
Course Requirements
Designed for secondary school Design and Applied Technology (DAT) students.
Use the kit and a simulated project brief to practise the design process for the 2027 project and build understanding of 3D design, prototyping and control technology.
Course content can be adjusted to participants’ needs.
Each student receives one kit, one editable set of code and one 3D-printing allowance of up to 50 g.
Course Disclaimer
This course is for training purposes only. It covers general concepts, demonstrations and simulated exercises. We do not provide individual guidance, design advice, proposal reviews, production work or other practical assistance with students’ own SBA projects. Students are responsible for completing their own projects.
This course is independently designed and delivered by Beets Limited. It is not organised, recognised, approved or endorsed by the Education Bureau (EDB) or any official authority. Refer to the latest EDB documents and your school’s guidance for formal assessment requirements and arrangements.