MUSIC TO HER EARS

University of New South Wales student Tricia Ho has been selected as one of 12 finalists in Australia's leading student design award, the Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award, for her revolutionary Ergonomic Violin.

The electronic Ergonomic Violin (EV) was designed with several interchangeable frames that allow the player to customise the violin to suit their style and reduce musculoskeletal disorders in player's necks and shoulders.

"Coming from a background of classical violin training I have many friends who experienced problems gripping a traditional violin", Tricia Ho, a Rose Bay resident, said.

"Subtle aesthetic characteristics of the traditional instrument are retained, but now adapted into functional roles in EV's design", Tricia Ho continued.

The Australian Design Award®-Dyson Student Award rewards innovative and distinctive engineering and design emanating from Australia's education sector.

This year's 12 finalists were selected from 90 entrants by an international panel of experts in design and technology.

"The Australian Design Awards and Dyson partnership is about supporting young designers who share Dyson's philosophy of complete design; developing products that provide significant solutions and don't just focus on the aesthetics," says Ross Cameron, Managing Director, Dyson SEA.

"The Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award is a program that puts student talent in the spotlight, and provides a bridge from academia to industry," says Stephanie Watson, Standards Australia's Manager of the Australian Design Awards.

"I'm passionate about this program as I know how much participating in the Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award can benefit students launching their design careers", she finishes.

 The Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award consists of a Gold, Silver and Bronze winner sharing in a prize of $10,000; the Gold winner being automatically entered into the prestigious James Dyson Award.

Tricia will now attend the prestigious Australian Design Award Presentation night at the Wharf 8 Complex in Sydney's Darling Harbour on May 19. Her entry will also be on display in the Australian Design Award Exhibition which runs over the
whole day.