ICTGAM515
Design and create advanced particles, fluids and bodies for 3-D digital effects


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design and create, advanced simulated effects in a 3D and digital effects environment.

It applies to individuals with high-level mathematical, technical and communication skills working as concept artists, game designers, games programmers, animators and other personnel working in the game development industry.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Analyse approaches to design requirements

1.1 Analyse the design requirements for particle systems, fluids and bodies outlined in the brief and organisational documents

1.2 Identify where the advanced simulated effects will fit into the production pipeline

1.3 Identify the factors that may influence the design approach to creating advanced simulated effects

2. Demonstrate the application of advanced simulated effects

2.1 Review the media and techniques that may inspire ideas for simulated effects

2.2 Respond to the brief and documents, and provide solutions to the creation of advanced simulated effects for 3-D environments

2.3 Present design ideas and design considerations, with justification of the choice of advanced simulated effects to the relevant personnel

3. Plan approach to simulated effects

3.1 Adapt and finalise the design according to feedback from the relevant personnel

3.2 Identify skills and processes required for creating advanced simulated effects systems

3.3 Source and gather reference materials, and maintain a portfolio of these references

3.4 Plan a time line to create the advanced simulated effects

4. Produce particles, fluids and bodies for review

4.1 Use programming languages to create code to assist, or produce, the advanced simulated effects

4.2 Using toolsets, create prototype of advanced simulated effects based on finalised design

4.3 Implement physics and forces to the advanced simulated effects, to produce the desired outcome

4.4 Conduct testing

4.5 Review the results, and present the created effects, to the relevant personnel for feedback and discussion about the implementation of the effects, in accordance to the requirements of the design

5. Finalise advanced simulated effects

5.1 Adapt the advanced simulated effects and design if necessary, according to feedback

5.2 Refine the advanced simulated effects

5.3 Present the finalised advanced simulation effects in the requested form, including the pre-production portfolio, demonstrating project research and development for evaluation, and review, by the relevant personnel

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse design requirements and develop design documents

develop advanced simulation effects according to requirements

use appropriate effects, such as particles, fluids and rigid or soft bodies

use programming languages to assist the creation of advanced simulation effects

adapt design according to feedback

produce a refined and finalised deliverable

maintain a portfolio of reference materials.


Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain the programming techniques required for creation of 3-D digital effects

discuss computer game development, including specific terminology

summarise the current game-play hardware and software products

summarise the technology requirements and human resources required in the process of creating digital effects and each team member’s respective skills

explain risk and critical path management

provide a detailed summary of the technical constraints that hardware imposes on:

software development

graphics requirements

code development

creative visual design

explain the techniques for applying concept development skills

explain the techniques for applying concept visualisation skills.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the game development field of work, and include access to:

computer hardware and software

games engines

file storage

the internet for research purposes.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 2.1, 2.2

Interprets, analyses and comprehends briefs, documents, and conceptual information, to inform job requirements

Writing

2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.3

Develops readily understood design and instructional documentation

Transforms creative ideas into documents for specific audiences

Oral Communication

2.3, 3.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.3

Speaks clearly and concisely, converting highly technical language and terminology to plain English, when providing information

Elicits information using effective listening and open-questioning techniques

Provides practical advice, support and feedback to colleagues and management

Numeracy

2.2, 3.1, 4.3

Uses whole numbers, decimals and percentages when manipulating measurement, scale, ratio, coordinates, colour, shading, and other elements of radical 3-D effects

Get the work done

All

Takes responsibility for own workload, negotiating some key aspects with others

Sequences and schedules complex activities, monitors implementation, and manages relevant communication

Implements actions as per plan, making slight adjustments if necessary, and addressing some unexpected issues

Uses systematic, analytical processes in complex, non-routine situations, setting goals, gathering relevant information, and identifying and evaluating options, against the agreed criteria

When dealing with complex issues, may use intuition to identify the general problem area, switching to analytical processes to clarify goals and key issues, and using lateral thinking processes to generate possible solutions

Develops and shapes several options before making a final choice, using a combination of lateral and analytical thinking to tailor and strengthen ideas to suit needs, resources and constraints

Recognises the value of continuous improvement within own work context

Utilises a broad range of features within applications to improve personal productivity, optimising software functions for specific purposes

Manages and maintains files securely, in a variety of storage media and formats, and is beginning to actively establish, maintain and monitor electronic paper trails


Sectors

Game development