Posted: 21/10/2025

Looksee: MDS Students Win Gold at the Australian Good Design Awards and Best Awards

A team of Bachelor of Media Design students from Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) has achieved outstanding recognition on the global stage, taking home a Gold Award at the Australian Good Design Awards and two wins at the Best Design Awards (Gold in Student & Academic Graphic and Silver in Student Social Good).

Their project, Looksee, impressed international judges for its innovative, empathetic approach to healthcare design, transforming traditional eye therapy for children into an imaginative, play-based experience.

Turning Treatment into Play

Looksee began as a response to a real-world problem: how to make vision therapy less isolating and more engaging for young children living with alternating divergent squint. Traditionally, treatment requires repetitive, patch-based exercises that can be frustrating for both children and parents.

The MDS team - Aston Gregory, Amy Wood, Ryen Muir and Matthew Jackson - saw an opportunity to reimagine the process through design. Using red and blue anaglyph glasses, illustrated prompt cards and patterned wooden blocks, Looksee encourages storytelling, creativity, and family connection while delivering effective therapy at home.

Looksee is an eye-strengthening kit for children aged 4–6 with alternating divergent squints. Designed to support at-home treatment, it replaces dreaded eye exercises with imaginative play by using red/blue glasses, cards, and pattern blocks to make treatment fun, effective, and engaging for children and parents. Such a smart design solution that could have a profound impact on people's lives. Smart, innovative and impactful design at its very best and deserves to be Awarded the Australian Good Design Award Gold accolade. Well done.”
– Jury comments, Australian Good Design Awards

Design for Better

The Australian Good Design Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence, innovation and positive social impact. For the MDS team, winning Gold in the Next Gen (Under 30s) category was a surreal moment.

“We were already thrilled just to be shortlisted,” said Amy Wood. “When we found out we’d won Gold, it was unreal. To be recognised on that level, among professionals from across Australia and beyond, really validated the amount of work we put in.”

The recognition aligns with this year’s Good Design Awards theme - Design for Better - which champions creativity as a force for social change. Looksee embodies that idea, reframing healthcare not as a routine to be endured but as a shared journey of play, curiosity and connection.

“Design can make the world more inclusive,” said Aston Gregory. “We wanted to create something that makes children feel seen, supported, and empowered - and something parents can enjoy too.”

From Classroom to Industry Recognition

The project’s journey from concept to award-winning reality reflects the unique environment that MDS fosters. Through industry-connected learning, small class sizes and mentorship from practising designers, students are encouraged to combine creative experimentation with real-world application.

“Our lecturers really push us to think about design as problem-solving,” said Matthew Jackson. “We’re constantly asked, what’s the purpose behind this? That mindset completely shaped how we approached Looksee.”

Senior Lecturer Tammie Leong, who supported the team throughout the project, joined them in Sydney for the awards ceremony. “Tammie was amazing,” said Ryen Muir. “She challenged us to refine every detail and make sure the experience was both clinically informed and beautifully designed. Having that kind of guidance makes a huge difference.”

At MDS, you’re treated like a designer from day one. You’re working on live briefs, building real projects, and getting used to presenting your work to industry professionals. That gives you confidence when you step into the field.”
– Ryen Muir

Impact Through Design

Beyond its technical success, Looksee demonstrates the power of empathy-driven design. By rethinking how children engage with therapy, the team hopes to improve treatment consistency, strengthen bonds between parents and children, and reduce stigma around eye care.

“We wanted to make something that helps real people,” said Amy. “If even one child looks forward to doing their exercises because of Looksee, then it’s done its job.”

The team is now exploring opportunities to further develop the concept, with early interest from practitioners who see its potential to enhance at-home care.

This project reminded us that good design isn’t just about how something looks - it’s about how it makes people feel, and how it can make their lives better.”
– Aston Gregory

A Reflection of MDS Excellence

For Media Design School at Strayer, Looksee’s success continues a strong legacy of student achievement on national and international stages. Each year, Bachelor of Media Design students produce projects that not only win awards but also demonstrate how creativity can have meaningful, tangible impact.

“The best part about MDS,” said Ryen, “is that you’re surrounded by people who care - tutors, mentors, and classmates who all want to see each other succeed. That sense of community is what drives results like this.”