Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to apply design studio processes when interpreting and responding to a specified brief through the production of a fashion design product.

Application of the Unit 

The unit is a holistic unit that requires the integration of skills across the design process and focuses on the use and experimentation of design studio processes to result in the production of a fashion design product which meets a specified brief. The design brief is determined by a trainer or supervisor and may be contextualised to a particular context within the fashion industry. The design brief includes clear specifications for the product design.

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 develop a design and produce a fashion design product. Communication skills are required to interpret requirements, develop supporting documentation such as patterns and discuss design concepts. Self management and learning skills are used to evaluate and review design processes used.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Interpret design brief

1.1 Specifications  of design brief are identified.

1.2 Purposes of product and end user expectations are identified.

1.3 Characteristics of target market  are identified.

1.4 Understanding of design brief is checked and further clarification gained as required.

2 Research relevant information

2.1 Relevant information  is identified and accessed to guide design and production process.

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

2.3 Any additional expertise required for project is identified.

3 Develop and refine design concept

3.1 Preliminary concepts are identified.

3.2 Design processes  are used to experiment with and develop design concepts.

3.3 Options are evaluated against design brief specifications.

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

3.5 Design concept is selected and developed.

4 Present design for feedback

4.1 Communication tools  are used to present design concept to appropriate personnel  for feedback.

4.2 Feedback is received and considered in line with design brief.

4.3 Design concept is modified and improved where possible.

5 Prepare for production

5.1 All components required for production are identified.

5.2 Technical aspects of production are identified.

5.3 Specification sheet is completed to guide production.

5.4 Resources and production requirements are identified and sourced.

5.5 Plan is developed to guide production.

6 Develop design pattern

6.1 Blocks are selected to meet design brief.

6.2 Blocks are modified to create patterns that meet design requirements and specifications.

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

6.4 Toile is created to test accuracy of pattern.

6.5 Pattern is confirmed against design specifications.

7 Produce fashion product

7.1 Workplace is prepared according to OHS practices .

7.2 Materials and resources are prepared.

7.3 Fabric is cut according to pattern directions.

7.4 Product is sewn according to specifications.

7.5 Product is finished according to specifications.

8 Evaluate and analyse design and production processes

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

8.2 Design is analysed and evaluated to identify opportunities for improvement.

8.3 Production process is evaluated to identify opportunities for improvement.

8.4 Process and improvements are documented.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• the elements and principles of design and how they are used to create good design in the clothing industry
• information sources and requirements for design and production
• garment construction
• research sources
• fabrics, fibres, trims and accessories, and their properties and characteristics
• 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
• communicate design concepts
• 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
• interpret and respond to a brief
• experiment with a range of studio processes to develop designs
• document
• produce fashion product
• analyse and improve processes
• 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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Specifications may include:

• budget
• type of garment
• style requirements
• fit model specifications
• size range
• timeline
• design restrictions or conditions

Characteristics of target market may include:

• age
• gender
• size, body characteristics
• economic and social expectations
• purchase pattern

Relevant information may include:

• trends
• fabrics
• production and construction processes
• target market
• resource availability
• costs

Design processes may include:

• application of elements and principles of design
• development of inspiration boards, storyboards, etc.
• assessment of fibres and fabrics
• review of relevant products such as garment sample designs

Selection processes may include:

• checking against design brief
• discussing with supervisor
• 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

Appropriate personnel may include:

• supervisor
• trainer/mentor
• designers
• patternmakers
• production supervisors

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

Sector 

Fashion Design and Technology