Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to assist with research and preparation of initial garment design concepts.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to assisting others in the preparation of preliminary design concepts for garments where discretion and judgement may be required, for both self and others, in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.

The unit may involve applications associated with original creation, or adaptation of designs or interpretation of sketches within contexts related to single or multiple production styles and ranges, made-to-measure and theatre costuming.

Design may relate to individual garments where generally basic stable fabrics are used. The extent and nature of product design depends on the products and workplace structure.

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 teamwork and communication skills to work with others in the design process. Planning and organising and problem skills are required to apply design processes and initiative and enterprise are required to contribute to design ideas.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Interpret design brief within specified guidelines

1.1 Design parameters are clarified, in consultation with designer, sales team, management and client.

1.2 Strategy plan and critical path plan are developed.

1.3 Constraints are identified and taken into account when clarifying brief.

2 Research relevant information within specified guidelines

2.1 Trends in fabrics, etc. are researched for performance, colour, availability, care and maintenance requirements and suitability to project or design.

2.2 Technical requirements associated with production are assessed, within specified guidelines and according to OHS practices .

2.3 Any additional expertise required for project is identified.

3 Contribute to design concepts

3.1 Preliminary concepts are worked out in conjunction with others to identify possibilities.

3.2 Story themes are developed using fashion magazines, samples, swatches, trims and colour palette.

3.3 Ideas are contributed and discussed with team members to enhance success of project.

3.4 Relevant support materials and explanations are developed and refined in conjunction with members of design team.

4 Contribute to presentation of the design

4.1 Own role and relationship to others for presentation meeting is determined and rehearsed.

4.2 Presentation is assessed in a manner which promotes acceptance or approval or the design.

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 fashion industry
• the industry, global and local trends
• garment construction
• research sources
• colour/colour mix and interpretation
• fabrics, fibres, trims, 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:

• provide effective assistance with the preparation of preliminary design concepts
• produce sketches manually or using CAD systems
• communicate effectively with individuals, work groups and supervisors
• interpret and carry out established 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
• 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:

• research trends
• assess technical requirements
• develop story themes
• communicate effectively with design team, customers, etc.
• 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.

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