Graphic designers working on built environment projects may create logos and signs on building interiors and exteriors, directional signage in streets, transport terminals and retail outlets, or promotional signage in any of these contexts. There are links between this role, architecture, building design and urban design. However, this unit does not include the skills and knowledge required in those professional areas.
Although designers at this level work with a high degree of autonomy, they are still likely to be members of a collaborative creative team.
Not applicable.
1. Interpret creative briefs | 1.1 Analyse creative briefs in terms of key communication objectives for the built environment project 1.2 Develop an understanding of the broader context for the design work 1.3 Develop shared understandings of design requirements with relevant people 1.4 Negotiate and confirm practical considerations, including schedule and budgetary requirements |
2. Evaluate the context for design work in the built environment | 2.1 Consider current and emerging trends and thinking across key areas of design for the built environment 2.2 Assess the ways that audiences engage with signage of different types 2.3 Evaluate locations for design work in terms of current aesthetic and functionality 2.4 Obtain and analyse relevant technical data that inform design 2.5 Evaluate key sustainability issues for incorporation into design 2.6 Assess and respond to regulatory requirements that affect design in the built environment |
3. Generate and assess ideas | 3.1 Identify and source references that inform design in the built environment 3.2 Explore ideas for designs that enhance the overall visual amenity of the environment 3.3 Evaluate opportunities offered by both current and emerging technologies for signage 3.4 Acknowledge and integrate relationships between signage and broader organisational identity 3.5 Maximise contributions of others through collaboration on ideas as required 3.6 Reflect on ideas for technical, creative and budgetary implications 3.7 Refine and select approaches that best balance the overall needs of the brief |
4. Develop designs for the built environment | 4.1 Develop designs from initial concepts ensuring that all production and design factors are taken into account 4.2 Realise designs from initial ideas by working confidently with the elements and principles of design 4.3 Combine conceptual and technical expertise to develop workable solutions 4.4 Engage in an ongoing process of testing, creative collaboration and refinement during the design process 4.5 Engage with other experts on relevant technical, legal and business requirements |
5. Finalise designs for the built environment | 5.1 Negotiate and agree to modifications and amend designs as required 5.2 Develop accurate and comprehensive documentation to support the production process 5.3 Present final designs and documentation to relevant personnel and confirm |
6. Evaluate design work and process | 6.1 Evaluate completed designs in terms of success in meeting objectives 6.2 Assess the work against other creative, technical and business considerations 6.3 Analyse and evaluate feedback from client and others 6.4 Reflect on own role in design process and note areas for future improvement 6.5 Develop strategies for further development of own skills |
Required skills
communication skills to:
interpret and clarify written proposals and creative briefs
work collaboratively on complex ideas and projects
present ideas for discussion and feedback
produce accurate and detailed design and construction documentation for signage and other built environment designs
critical thinking and analytical skills to:
evaluate communication needs and develop sophisticated design solutions
distil key ideas and approaches from complex and varying information and ideas
initiative and enterprise skills to see opportunities for new and creative approaches to design challenges in the built environment
literacy skills to engage with potentially complex information at an advanced level
self-management and organisational skills to:
take responsibility for the design challenge
meet responsibilities within a collaborative project
problem-solving skills to take ownership of complex technical and conceptual challenges and develop creative solutions in response
numeracy skills to interpret and work within project budgets
technology skills to:
use the advanced features of current graphic design software programs
use the internet as a research tool.
Required knowledge
current and emerging trends and ideas in the area of design for the built environment
key people involved in built environment projects, and their typical roles, responsibilities and interrelationships – particularly in relation to the graphic designer
different types of signage and built environment projects and the particular considerations that apply
ways in which consumers respond to signage
production factors for different types of signage and how they impact on the design process
legislative and regulatory issues that affect design in the built environment, including particular council requirements and duty of care
sources of ideas for built environment designs
formal principles and elements of design in the context of design in the built environment
collaborative processes used in graphic design
critical and creative thinking techniques that can be used as part of the design process
intellectual property issues and legislation in relation to designs for the built environment
sustainability issues for signage and how they impact on graphic design.
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 ability to: independently conceive and realise graphic design solutions for a range of built environment projects work confidently with the elements and principles of design in a built environment context collaborate effectively on creative, technical and organisational issues apply knowledge of the specific contextual issues that apply to graphic design for the built environment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to industry-current graphic design technologies collaboration with others to reflect the design process. |
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: evaluation by industry professionals of design solutions developed by the candidate for use in the built environment evaluation of presentations made by the candidate about work developed evaluation of processes used by the candidate to conceive, plan and realise the work evaluation of the effectiveness of project management evidenced through completion of work on time and on budget evaluation of a candidate’s visual diary or other forms of documentation showing the development of the designs questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome review of portfolios of evidence review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
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.
Communication objectives may be to: | challenge compare contrast direct inform inspire motivate persuade. |
Built environment project | information booths: interactive stations printed boards logos signage: directional and wayfinding exterior in precincts informational inside buildings on buildings on footpaths on roads promotional. |
Broader context | building costs client preferences and perceptions community attitudes existing signage industry trends key relationships for the project marketing objectives. |
Relevant people may include: | architects art directors builders building managers clients council employees creative directors distributors employers end users manufacturers other artists and designers precinct managers shopfitters signmakers supervisors technical experts. |
Current and emerging trends and thinking may relate to: | accessibility cultural considerations for signage integration of signage with broader identity interactivity in design production technologies signage for particular market groups use of different materials for signage use of signs and symbols use of sustainable materials ways in which people navigate space. |
Technical data may relate to: | approval requirements dimensions of space engineering requirements physical properties of location for design. |
Sustainability issues may relate to: | availability of materials cost of production environmental friendliness of materials social acceptance of particular ideas and concepts. |
Regulatory requirements may relate to: | intellectual property council requirements: application and approval processes heritage or conservation requirements placement of signage use of particular colours or materials government planning regulations. |
References may include: | architectural texts digital images earlier iterations film and video internet marketing data own experience product information photographs previous work reference books, journals and texts scripts technical data work of other designers writings. |
Elements and principles of design relate to: | alignment balance coherence colour composition contrast direction dominance emphasis form line movement pattern positive and negative space proportion proximity repetition rhythm shape simplicity and complexity subordination texture unity. |
Creative collaboration and refinement | client consultation informal conversations with peers modelling piloting technical discussions workshopping of ideas. |
Other experts | architects artists builders planners tradespeople. |
Documentation | creative rationale instructions for: builders manufacturers printers signmakers production specifications technical drawings. |
Success | audience response client feedback cost effectiveness customer comments sales achieved. |
Visual communication – graphic design
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.