Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

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.

1. Research and analyse characters

1.1 Determine and agree character style  according to client requirements 

1.2 Determine and agree character type  and profile 

1.3 Determine and agree character role  and name

1.4 Create animations for each of the 3-D models based on a study of the original character’s animations

1.5 Compare animations with originals for quality

2. Design characters

2.1 Develop concept illustration  for character

2.2 Conduct focus testing  of concept illustration with client and representatives of target market audience

2.3 Develop character schematics  based on feedback and submit to client for approval

3. Develop character models

3.1 Construct a 3-D character model on a turntable based on character schematics

3.2 Construct 3-D costumes, tools and accessories for character model

3.3 Shade, texture and light complete character model

3.4 Develop animations of key poses and transitions in consultation with animation personnel for approval

3.5 Compare 3-D models and animations to original concept illustration for verification of quality and conformity to brief

3.6 Submit to client for approval

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• use 2-D and 3-D software applications to develop and realise characters for games
• develop character designs that comply with games design brief and client requirements
• develop character designs that are innovative and competitive with characters in games currently in the marketplace
• test responses to character designs for aesthetic suitability with intended audience and act on feedback.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• computer hardware, software, games engines and file storage
• character reference materials, such as models, illustrations, art and design books, and character photographs
• range of state of the art games across all platforms and genres
• range of the latest consoles and hand-held game devices
• internet access for research purposes
• copyright and intellectual property legislation
• OHS legislation and enterprise policy
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• modified equipment for people with special needs.

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:

• discussion or written report of the nominated techniques applied to character design and development
• verbal questioning regarding reasons for use of particular hardware and software options
• direct observation of the learner undertaking character design activities
• project or work activities that demonstrate capacity for research to support character development
• review of portfolios of evidence
• completed character models on a turntable.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Character style  may include:

• abstract
• caricatured
• cartoon-like
• comic
• cute
• exaggerated
• highly realistic
• hybrid
• idealised
• robotic
• scary
• stylised
• symbolic.

Client requirements  may include:

• design and platform constraints:

• 1500 to 3000 polygons
• maximum of 40 bones for animation
• up to four 256 by 256 texture maps

• game design brief:

• draft pencil concept illustrations of the player character and a few of the non-player characters
• details of player characters, including:

• control mechanisms
• number and types of interaction with other non-player characters
• number of animations

• intended audience, genre, platform and control devices
• introduction and game overview, including list of special features and selling points
• list of all non-player and player characters
• other illustrations or graphics that enhance the comprehension of the document
• title and cover art

• wants, needs and interest of the target market audience identified for the game.

Character type  may include:

• alien
• animal
• anthropomorphised food
• anthropomorphised machine
• anthropomorphised toy
• anthropomorphised vehicle
• human
• spiritual entity
• terrestrial
• vegetable.

Character profile  may include:

• age
• aspects of behaviour
• change of circumstances, e.g. rich to poor
• counterintuitive props and clothing
• courage
• cowardice
• definitive visual cues
• exaggerated physical characteristics
• fangs
• gender
• intelligence
• interpretive visual cues
• mental and emotional attributes and personality traits
• motivation or goals
• naivety
• physical attributes
• profession
• professional uniforms
• props
• race
• religion
• shyness
• social butterfly
• social status
• strength
• tools
• wheelchairs.

Character role  may include:

• antagonists
• extras
• minor characters
• objects of desire
• partners or sidekicks
• protagonists
• secret agendas
• supporting roles.

Concept illustration  may include:

• 2-D hand rendered drawing
• 2-D or 3-D digital illustration
• 2-D sketch
• collage or montage
• photograph
• storyboard.

Focus testing  may include:

• analysis and written summary of focus test discussions, outcomes and results
• audience perceptions of:

• age that character appeals to
• 'coolness' factor
• value of character

• consultation with groups representing target market audience for finished game.

Character schematics  may include:

• scaled 2-D Illustrations of front, back, side and top of the character
• scaled 2-D illustration to illustrate the character in various action poses, including:

• greeting, hitting, pushing, pulling and colliding
• jumping, crawling, climbing, shooting and rolling
• sitting and riding
• walking and running

• scaled 2-D sketches of the character face in various expressions:

• happy, angry, sad and confused
• situational responses
• viseme set, such as facial expressions while talking

• scale comparison illustrations, including character next to:

• a building
• a vehicle
• other characters

• scale or dimension indicators.