Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to apply design studio processes when working to a client brief to design and produce fashion garments.

Application of the Unit 

The unit requires integration of skills across the design process and focuses on the production of a fashion design to meet a client brief.

Studio processes are to be applied in an iterative manner to accommodate experimentation and continuous 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 develop a design and produce a fashion design product. Communication skills are required to interpret requirements, conduct research, develop supporting documentation such as patterns and present design concepts to clients. Self management and learning skills are used to explore, evaluate and review design processes used.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Confirm design brief

1.1 Client needs and objectives are discussed and clarified with client.

1.2 Purposes of design, final product and end user expectations are identified.

1.3 Parameters and design criteria are established and agreed upon.

1.4 Specifications  of design brief are confirmed.

1.5 Communication requirements and channels are agreed upon.

2 Research information to guide design process

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

2.2 Characteristics of target market  are identified.

2.3 Relevant products previously developed by the enterprise are identified and reviewed in terms of range, style, construction, price points.

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

2.5 Any additional expertise required for project is identified.

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

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 used to refine concept options.

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 to client.

5 Present design concept to client

5.1 Communication tools  are used to present design concept to client.

5.2 Features and benefits of design concepts are presented to client.

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

5.4 Client response is 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 client.

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 to client

10.1 Finished product is prepared for presentation to client.

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 client.

10.5 Client response is received and assessed for improvement opportunities.

10.6 Product is assessed for further production opportunities.

UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE 

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• client needs and processes
• the elements and principles of design and how they are used to create good design in the fashion industry
• information sources and requirements for design and production
• garment construction
• research sources
• 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
• 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
• interpret and respond to a client brief
• experiment with and assess design development processes and outcomes
• implement iterative and continuous improvement processes
• work with client
• 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.

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
• cost/price points
• type of garment/s
• 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

Selection processes may include:

• checking against design brief
• discussing with client
• 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

Others 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