Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design products suitable for batched or limited production (including one-off items) in a furniture-making or similar operation. It includes the considerations required to enable production of further batches, including details and fittings being produced with jigs and fixtures, and assessing the production methods required for particular materials.
This unit applies to individuals working in a manufacturing or design studio environment who design products with production methods as a consideration, working either alone or as part of an internal or external team.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Research product needs | 1.1 Identify parameters affecting the design of product from client or end recipient and other information sources 1.2 Identify and record product functional needs from client or end recipient following industry best-practice methods 1.3 Investigate similar products in market and design elements from relevant sources 1.4 Assess materials for production-method limitations from materials specifications and client requirements 1.5 Identify and record visual/aesthetic needs of product from client or end recipient following industry best-practice methods 1.6 Identify and record relevant ethical considerations from client or end recipient and other potential collaborators 1.7 Identify and record ergonomic and anthropometric needs from client or end recipient and following industry standards 1.8 Prioritise product needs following industry best-practice methods 1.9 Identify and document relevant batched and limited production-run methods, technologies and equipment that could be applied or used, and work health and safety considerations, based on identified parameters and needs |
2. Prepare information for design brief | 2.1 Review and clarify product needs, parameters and other factors with client or end recipient 2.2 Report on product needs, including design and production method opportunities, using suitable reporting methods and incorporating client or end recipient feedback 2.3 Identify and record needs that cannot be met and negotiate changes with client or end recipient following industry best-practice methods 2.4 Clarify and agree on outcomes of design process with client or end recipient following industry best-practice methods 2.5 Prepare initial brief following industry best-practice methods |
3. Generate ideas in response to design brief | 3.1 Analyse product and client needs and integrate into generation of ideas using suitable ideation methods 3.2 Present initial ideas based on design brief and in suitable format 3.3 Refine ideas through review and reworking, both individually and collaboratively, using industry best-practice methods 3.4 Present final ideas in a manner suitable for audience |
4. Evaluate and develop design proposals | 4.1 Evaluate each design idea in context of design brief and suitability for batched or limited production runs, and record results 4.2 Select design proposal/s for further development that best meet requirements 4.3 Seek feedback on design proposals using suitable methods 4.4 Complete design proposals in response to evaluation feedback |
5. Present product proposals to client or end recipient | 5.1 Prepare product proposals for presentation to client or end recipient in accordance with industry best-practice methods 5.2 Ensure presentation arrangements are made, checked and confirmed in accordance with industry best-practice methods 5.3 Present design proposals to client or end recipient in accordance with industry best-practice methods 5.4 Gather, analyse and confirm client feedback in accordance with industry best-practice methods 5.5 Complete design proposals with client feedback and batched or limited production methods and limitations incorporated |
6. Produce final product proposal information | 6.1 Finalise and document product details including production methods, in accordance with industry best-practice methods 6.2 Document visual aspects of product proposal in accordance with industry best-practice methods 6.3 Document parts details relevant to batched or limited production of product and in accordance with industry best-practice methods 6.4 Document batched or limited production run manufacturing methods in manner suited to place of manufacture and materials specifications 6.5 Ensure all other relevant details are recorded in accordance with industry best-practice methods 6.6 Ensure product proposal addresses work health and safety and other related requirements 6.7 Review proposal process with team members to improve design quality and outcomes |
Evidence of Performance
There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and demonstrated the ability to:
successfully design products suitable for batched or limited production runs (including one-off items) for one major and two minor projects, and in doing so:
analyse potentially suitable materials to use in the work process and ensure these are acceptable for both client needs and batched or limited production run manufacturing
follow industry best-practice in design briefing coverage, including budget, timelines, product measurements and other specifications, production needs and methods and potential external collaborators or partners
follow workplace best-practice in communicating with both internal and external clients and collaborators to ensure transparency of process and that clients’ needs are met
develop and present final product proposals that balance the limitations and opportunities of batched and limited production for products with client functional and aesthetic needs, including cost-effective use of materials and tools or equipment
evaluate the variations in costs associated with different production methods and production runs of different sizes
lead others and work effectively in a team to improve design quality and outcomes
recognise dependencies in the workplace and across the wider production team (which may include external collaborators) and use cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity.
Evidence of Knowledge
There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
historical and contemporary art and design styles and movements
design methodologies
ergonomic and anthropometric standards
visual aesthetics of products being designed
ideas generation and conceptual development techniques, including:
suspending belief
looking for gaps of need alternatives
daydreaming
creative leaping
filaments
brainstorming
six thinking hats
asking questions of norms and beliefs
current market segment products, and suitable online and offline sources of inspiration and possible design elements that will meet client needs
current ethical issues in society affecting makers and designers
all aspects of the product design, including:
shape and dimension
materials
colour
texture, patterns and relief
the site and positioning of the end product
ability to produce in batches or limited production runs
ability to adapt the design to different production methods or volumes
production methodologies of furniture (or similar) manufacturers
production techniques for products based on materials selection
materials and finishes used to produce products
costing techniques
design-based softwares and other tools suitable for presenting design briefs
established workplace communication channels and protocols including document control methods
relevant work health and safety legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to the design and manufacture of products
work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
design software that reflects current industry standards
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.
Numeracy skills to interpret technical and production information.
Writing and oral communication skills to produce design briefs and document and present manufacturing information.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Design practice