The unit requires integration of skills across the design process and focuses on the development and production of a fashion design to achieve commercial and design objectives.

Studio processes are to be applied in an iterative manner to accommodate experimentation and continual improvement in order to achieve desired design effects.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires skills in problem solving, planning and organising and initiative and enterprise to produce designs for commercial development. Communication skills are required to interpret requirements, conduct research, develop supporting documentation such as patterns and present design concepts. Self management and learning skills are used to explore, evaluate and review designs and design processes used.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Research fashion trends and industry practices

1.1 National and international fashion trends are researched and analysed to guide formation of design directions.

1.2 Industry production trends and influences are researched and analysed to assess impact on design direction.

1.3 Commercial success of previous fashion products is analysed to assess relevance for design directions.

1.4 Commercial and design objectives of the workplace are identified.

1.5 Market research is conducted as required to inform development of design directions.

1.6 Information is analysed and applied to design concept development and production.

1.7 Expertise required for project is identified and sources selected.

1.8 Information sources on design techniques and processes used to achieve desired effects are accessed and used as required throughout design and development processes.

2 Create design brief

2.1 Commercial opportunities for fashion designs are identified.

2.2 Scoping of commercial opportunities is conducted.

2.3 Design directions are clarified and explored with appropriate personnel.

2.4 Design brief is developed as an iterative process involving generation, development, testing, analysis and improvement of ideas and design direction.

2.5 Testing of design brief is conducted with appropriate personnel and market research activities.

2.6 Design brief and specifications for development are confirmed.

2.7 Continual review and testing of design brief is conducted through development of sample products.

3 Develop and refine design concept

3.1 Preliminary concept options are identified and discussed with client or workplace design team.

3.2 Options are evaluated against design brief specifications.

3.3 Principles and elements of design are applied to design concepts.

3.4 Criterion and selection processes are selected to refine concept options.

3.5 Marketing and distribution opportunities for design concepts are identified.

4 Experiment with design concepts

4.1 Preliminary concepts are scoped out using sketches, illustrations, models, samples, fibres and fabrics.

4.2 Evaluation of design concepts is conducted by self and others using selected criteria and processes.

4.3 Feedback and analysis is assessed for potential to improve design concept.

4.4 Further experimentation is used to develop design concepts.

4.5 Design concepts are selected for presentation and testing with appropriate personnel.

5 Test design concepts

5.1 Communication tools are used to present design concept to appropriate personnel.

5.2 Features and benefits of design concepts are presented.

5.3 Presentation skills are used to promote acceptance of design concept.

5.4 Responses are assessed and considered.

5.5 Design concept is modified and improved where possible.

6 Scope production requirements

6.1 All components required for production are identified.

6.2 Technical aspects of production are identified.

6.3 Specification sheet is completed to guide production.

6.4 Resources and production requirements are identified and sourced.

6.5 Production plan is developed to guide production.

6.6 Plan is discussed and confirmed with appropriate personnel.

7 Develop design pattern

7.1 Pattern base is selected to meet design brief.

7.2 Pattern base is modified to create patterns that meet design requirements and specifications.

7.3 Pattern is made according to industry standards, including industry markings and lay plans.

7.4 Toile is created to test accuracy of pattern and design effect.

7.5 Pattern is confirmed against design specifications.

8 Produce fashion product

8.1 Workplace is prepared according to OHS practices.

8.2 Materials and resources are prepared.

8.3 Fabric is cut according to pattern directions.

8.4 Product is sewn according to specifications.

8.5 Product is finished according to specifications.

9 Evaluate and analyse design and production processes

9.1 Finished item is assessed against design specifications and design brief.

9.2 Design result is analysed and evaluated to identify opportunities for improvement and required changes to design or production techniques.

9.3 Production process is evaluated to identify opportunities for improvement.

9.4 Process and improvements are documented.

10 Present finished product

10.1 Finished product is prepared for presentation to appropriate personnel.

10.2 Accessories, fabric examples and components are selected to convey range and style options of design.

10.3 Model is selected as required.

10.4 Finished product is presented to appropriate personnel.

10.5 Responses are received and assessed for improvement opportunities.

10.6 Product is assessed for further production opportunities.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

commercial practices in fashion design development

the elements and principles of design and how they are used to create good design in the fashion industry

information sources for market research

garment construction techniques

fabrics, fibres, trims, accessories and their properties and characteristics

relevant OHS legislation and codes of practice

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

apply principles and elements of design

apply iterative experimentation and improvement processes

communicate and promote design concepts

identify commercial opportunities

review and assess processes and procedures

document and transfer information

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

integrate skills to complete design and production process

identify commercial opportunities

develop a design brief

experiment with and assess design development processes and outcomes

implement iterative and continuous improvement processes

work with a range of industry experts

develop designs

produce fashion product

apply OHS practices in work operations

maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Market research may include:

analysis of target market characteristics

sample testing

discussions with retailers and suppliers

discussions with staff and management

review of media portrayals

review of fashion shows

review of current pricing strategies and price points of products

Scoping may include identification of:

target market

features and benefits

timing

economic and social expectations

scale of production

Appropriate personnel may include:

managers, directors

trainer/mentor

designers

patternmakers

production supervisors

business development staff

marketing and sales staff

retailers and suppliers

clients

end users/target market

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Selection processes may include:

checking against design brief

discussing with appropriate personnel

testing with target market

testing with production team

discussing with patternmaker

testing with sales and marketing professionals

Communication tools may include:

inspiration board

storyboard

research information

multimedia tools

print and audio tools

demonstration or exhibition

Presentation skills may include:

effective verbal and non-verbal communication

active listening

use of appropriate communication tools

positive language

clear statement of main points

interpersonal communication skills

Sector

Fashion Design and Technology

This unit contains employability skills.