This unit applies to any individual who works as a designer in any industry context. Designers may work independently or be employed by an organisation.

Designers must continually refine, develop and evaluate their own conceptual and technical skills. Research, experimentation and collaboration are key factors in this process.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Acquire and develop technical skills

1.1. Plan strategies to ensure the development of appropriate technical skills in design practice

1.2. Plan and use opportunities to develop and assess technical skills

1.3. Identify and use practice, feedback, discussion and evaluation opportunities to continuously improve technical skills

1.4. Develop and extend technical skills through testing capabilities of materials, tools and equipment

1.5. Identify and use relevant media to stimulate technical and professional development

2. Develop conceptual skills and ideas

2.1. Engage in ongoing experimentation and exploration of different ideas and techniques

2.2. Discuss ideas with others and apply knowledge gained to inform own work

2.3. Use work practice to gain experience in a range of genres and interpretations

2.4. Study the work of others to stimulate conceptual and technical skills development

2.5. Research and share ideas across a range of design disciplines

2.6. Identify and use a range of opportunities to develop own skills and keep informed about current design practice

3. Develop own voice

3.1. Explore and experiment with new ideas in making and/or interpreting design work

3.2. Explore and use technology, where appropriate, to develop own voice and expand practice

3.3. Demonstrate own voice through design project realisation

4. Evaluate own work

4.1. Seek and apply constructive criticism from others to improve own work

4.2. Evaluate own work against planned strategy for own practice

4.3. Evaluate own work in the context of work by others in order to extend own practice

4.4. Adjust work processes and practice as necessary to improve technical, conceptual and commercial outcomes

5. Research work opportunities

5.1. Correctly identify sources of information relating to work opportunities for designers

5.2. Identify networks and promotional opportunities for designers which may be helpful in developing career opportunities

5.3. Incorporate research results and information into own work and career planning

Required skills

communication skills to discuss potentially complex ideas and concepts with others and to engage in critical discourse about own work

creative thinking skills to explore and generate new ideas for design work

comprehension skills to interpret and communicate a wide range of potentially complex information about design concepts and technologies

problem-solving skills to explore and develop strategies and solutions to new design challenges and opportunities

self-management skills to take pro-active responsibility for own professional development.

Required knowledge

current and emerging copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation, and their impact on designers

current and emerging designers in the relevant design discipline

current and emerging trends and technologies in the relevant design discipline, and the opportunities and challenges they represent

professional development information and resources available to designers

sources of information relating to work opportunities and career planning.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

development of own voice through exploring and experimenting with new ideas in making and/or interpreting work

application of planned strategies to develop appropriate skills in design practice

use of discussion and evaluation opportunities to inform and develop technical and conceptual skills.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to the materials, resources and equipment used in the development of technical and conceptual skills in the relevant design context.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

evaluation of candidate diary or log detailing the ways in which different experiences and opportunities have been used to develop and extend skills

evaluation of bodies of work that demonstrate the progressive development of skills

evaluation of a presentation by the candidate addressing the ways in which a pro-active approach to skills development has been taken.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Strategies for developing self as a designer may include:

being involved in a range of relevant design activities

communicating with peers

experimenting

participating in professional development and other learning opportunities

participating in relevant groups or associations

practising

undertaking training courses

working effectively with supervisor

working with a mentor or coach

Technical skills may include skills in:

animation

digital/electronic design

entertainment design

fashion/clothing/accessories design

furnishings

furniture design

graphic design

illustration/technical drawing

interior design

jewellery design

object design

photoimaging

tableware design

other design disciplines

Testing capabilities refers to:

experimenting with innovative applications

extending the possibilities of materials, tools and equipment towards their full potential

Relevant media may include:

catalogues

journals

magazines

Opportunities to develop own skills may include participation in and/or attendance at, some of the following:

competitions

exhibitions

floor talks at galleries

laboratories

lectures, seminars, conferences, symposiums

manufacturing sites

master classes

professional organisations

trade fairs, expositions

Developing own voice includes:

analysing and researching the work of others relevant to selected area of specialisation

analysing conventions, practices and customs in design practice

developing repertoire and knowledge

exploring elements and principles of design

Sources of information may include:

design journals

employer listings

exhibition catalogues and programs

job advertisements

websites

word of mouth

Networks may include:

alumni organisations

colleagues and teachers

consumer organisations

professional associations

Promotional opportunities may include:

applications to funding bodies

competitions

demonstrations

exhibitions

performances

trade fairs

Unit sector

Design - Design Process

This unit contains employability skills.