Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to systematically analyse, assess and determine the feasibility of designs for translation into commercially viable production.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

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. Define the design objectives and detail

1.1. The purpose of the design is defined and/or clarified

1.2. The potential market for the design product is considered and defined

1.3. Intended production materials and outline production processes are identified and agreed as the basis for determination

2. Establish the design assessment criteria

2.1. Criteria for the assessment of production material options are established

2.2. Criteria for the assessment of product functionality are established

2.3. Criteria for the assessment of production process options and impacts of these on overall business operations are established

2.4. Criteria for the assessment of safety and potential liability issues are established

2.5. Criteria for assessment of costs and marketability are established

3. Apply the assessment criteria

3.1. The determination process, including personnel, information/input collection and recording, scoring or grading criteria and decision making processes are established and agreed

3.2. Products which are competitors/potential competitors in the market place are selected for comparative purposes

3.3. The design is scored/graded against agreed criteria and the results recorded

3.4. Competition products are scored/graded against the agreed criteria and the results recorded

3.5. Assessment results are completed in accordance with the agreed process

4. Determine feasibility and options

4.1. Assessment results of the design and competition products are analysed

4.2. Designs which fail to satisfy assessment and provide no optional potential are rejected

4.3. Designs which fail to satisfy assessment but which have optional/alternative potential are referred to the appropriate party

4.4. Designs which satisfy potential are conditionally endorsed, with the conditions being recorded and passed to the appropriate party

4.5. Formal records of the determination are completed and processed in accordance with enterprise procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• research, collect, organise and understand information related to the design, including the relevant technical, regulatory, cultural, environmental and safety requirements
• communicate ideas and information to enable clarification of the requirements, coordination of work with team members and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities to avoid any back tracking or reworking requirements
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete calculations necessary to support the determination process
• create and apply systematic problem solving techniques to anticipate problems, and avoid unsubstantiated decisions
• use the workplace technology available to assist in the administration of the determination system, including computing/computer-aided systems

Required knowledge 

• intellectual property law requirements
• design core and professional practices
• ergonomic principles for furniture design and manufacture
• the elements and principles of design and how they can be used to create good design in the furnishing industry
• the industry and detailed knowledge of contemporary products
• range of product materials and their characteristics
• materials, trims, accessories and their properties and characteristics
• costing processes
• workplace procedures and reporting process
• relevant OHS legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice

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.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Locate, access and interpret all required information
• Apply safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
• For a minimum of two different product designs, determine and report on their feasibility by completing the following or equivalent steps:

• define the design objectives and detail
• establish assessment criteria
• apply assessment criteria impartially
• determine feasibility options

• Communicate effectively with team and customers
• Maintain accurate records
• Work effectively with others

Resource implications 

Access to real or appropriately simulated situations involving the feasibility of designs.

They may include real or simulated work areas, materials, equipment, and information on work specifications, customer requirements, relevant safety procedures and regulations, quality standards and enterprise procedures.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency, or the potential for consistency, of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of work activities and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment may be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant background information, simulated work instructions and deadlines.

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.

Unit scope 

• Work involves the establishment and application of systematic, fair and balanced processes to determine the production feasibility of a design.
• Activities may include:

• researching design trends and developments
• generating and presenting ideas
• liaison with client and/or other functional areas
• compiling information
• preparing costings

• Judgement may be required in planning and selecting appropriate processes or procedures for self and others

Unit context 

• OHS requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, authorised handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate conceptual, analytical and organisational ability, discretion, judgement and problem solving skills

Workplace environment 

• The competency can refer to enterprise and client initiated ideas or requests
• The competency may involve applications associated with original design, adaptation of designs or interpretation of sketches, single or multiple production styles and ranges, and made to order
• The competency is applied under broad guidance

Information and procedures 

• Enterprise business plans
• Business reports, trade journals, etc.
• Product research information covering trends, materials options and market coverage
• Organisation work procedures
• Legislation/regulations/national and industry codes and practices relevant to furnishing and ergonomics
• Quality and Australian standards and procedures

Unit sector 

Furnishing Technology

Competency field 

Co-requisite units