Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source information on design history and theory, and to apply that information to one's own area of work.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to individuals who work in design and need to develop and maintain a general knowledge of design history and theory.

More complex research into design theory and design trends is covered by BSBDES602A Research global design trends and BSBDES701A Research and apply design theory.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Collect information on history and theory of design

1.1. Identify and access relevant sources of information  on design history and theory

1.2. Organise research material  and findings for current or future use in design practice, in a manner which facilitates easy access and cross-referencing

2. Apply information to own area of work

2.1. Evaluate information  in the context of current design practice

2.2. Assess ways in which aspects of information on design history and theory could be used or adapted to inform current practice

2.3. Use relevant information in a culturally appropriate way to develop an understanding of own area of work

3. Update and maintain knowledge of design trends

3.1. Identify and use opportunities to update and expand knowledge of design trends and developments

3.2. Incorporate and integrate knowledge into design activities

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• research and comprehension skills to source, understand and apply information on design history and theory
• research skills to source readily available information on design history and theory.

Required knowledge 

• copyright, moral rights, intellectual property issues and legislation as it relates to using information in own work
• current trends in design
• evolution of design
• organisational information practices and their application
• sources of information on design history and theory relevant to own design work.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• knowledge of the history and theory of design and how this may be applied in design practice
• application of research and evaluation skills.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to information sources on design history and theory.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• evaluation of how history and theory have been integrated into a design project undertaken by the candidate
• evaluation of a presentation made by the candidate about how design history or theory has influenced work
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of design history, trends and theory.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sources of information  may include:

• cultural, historical, scientific texts
• film, video, internet
• images, objects
• journal articles
• oral histories
• performances/presentations
• philosophical texts
• religious and spiritual texts
• stories
• technical or medium specific information

Information  may relate to:

• aesthetics
• criticism
• cultural issues
• gender and identity issues
• histories of art, craft and design
• histories of performances/presentations and related skills
• land and place
• new technologies
• politics
• spiritual concerns
• world histories

Organising research material  may include:

• databases
• diagrams, charts
• digital storage systems
• files, scrapbooks, diaries
• mind maps
• sketches

Evaluating information  may include:

• comparing
• considering merit
• contrasting
• critiquing
• discussing and debating
• reflecting

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Design - Design Process

Co-requisite units