Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:53 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:53 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Research and select furniture materials and technology
Research and select furniture materials and technology
Unit of competency
National Code
LMFFDT4014A
LMFFDT4014A
State Code
WA382
WA382
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/12/2010
Field of Education
100599 - Graphic And Design Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
07/12/2010
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit specifies the outcomes required to research and select furniture materials and technologies in order to meet design requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for material research
- 1.1. Applicable OHS, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to researching and recommending materials are verified and complied with
- 1.2. Design brief is reviewed, confirmed and clarified with appropriate personnel
- 1.3. Communication with others is established and maintained in accordance with OHS requirements
- 1.4. Client requirements and desires are reviewed, confirmed and clarified
2. Research materials
- 2.1. Aesthetic requirements of the material are assessed
- 2.2. New material technologies are researched and reported
- 2.3. Tactile requirements of the material in relation to the design is researched
- 2.4. Manufacturing processes and available expertise for the desired material are assessed
- 2.5. Costs of materials are assessed and compared
- 2.6. Environmental impact of materials are assessed
- 2.7. Longevity and restorability of materials are researched
- 2.8. Hazards associated with the use and application of materials, including handling, are researched
- 2.9. Quality of materials are assessed and reported
3. Select materials
- 3.1. Research information is critically analysed in the context of the design brief requirements
- 3.2. Materials and their elements of design are promoted, research explained and evaluated for the client
- 3.3. Materials and their principles of design are promoted, research explained and evaluated for the client
- 3.4. Presentation of research information is made, highlighting the findings and rationale for the materials chosen
4. Research furniture making technology
- 4.1. Information sources on traditional, new and emerging technologies used in the production of furniture are identified and assessed for usefulness
- 4.2. Traditional furniture making technologies are identified and their application analysed to determine advantages and disadvantages
- 4.3. New and emerging technologies are identified and analysed for relevance in furniture designs
- 4.4. Environmental and safety aspects of technologies are identified and implications for use assessed
- 4.5. Information is collected and stored for future use
5. Select technology for furniture
- 5.1. Research information is critically analysed in the context of the design brief requirements
- 5.2. The relevance of technology to specific design solutions is determined and technology selected
- 5.3. Presentation of research information is made, highlighting the findings and rationale for the technology chosen
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 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 of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
OHS requirements
are to be in accordance with Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures
requirements may include but not be limited to the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, fire fighting equipment, first aid equipment, hazard and risk control and elimination of hazardous materials and substances, manual handling including lifting and carrying
Legislative requirements
are to be in accordance with applicable legislation from all levels of government that affect organisational operation
requirements may include but not be limited to award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, OHS, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, relevant industry codes of practice, duty of care and heritage
Organisational requirements
may include but not be limited to legal, organisational and site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility, quality assurance, procedural manuals, quality and continuous improvement processes and standards, OHS, emergency and evacuation, ethical standards, recording and reporting, access and equity principles and practices, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Design brief
may include but not be limited to client needs and objectives, client aims and objectives and criteria for evaluation, milestones, organisational or personal profiles and aims, image requirements and function, target market, budget, timeline, consultation requirements and colour requirements
Appropriate personnel
may include but not be limited to trainers, supervisors, suppliers, clients, colleagues and managers
Communication
may include verbal and non-verbal language, constructive feedback, active listening, questioning to clarify and confirm understanding, use of positive, confident and cooperative language, use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences, control of tone of voice and body language
Clients
may include but not be limited to suppliers, manufacturers, private clients, colleagues, retailers or the public
Aesthetics
are to include the consideration of appeal to a large number of people; products are pleasing to the eye of many who view it
Material
may include but not be limited to solid timber (native and imported), manufactured timber products, reconstituted products, composite materials, plastic, metal, alloys, stone based products, glass, textiles, fibreglass, foam, synthetics, cardboard, paper products or any other manipulable substance
Tactile
is to include that perceived by the sense of touch and producing the effect of three dimensional depth
Manufacturing process
may include but not be limited to the methods by which the product will be produced, these steps usually entail working from working drawings and specifications, producing components utilising machine operations, assembly of the components and finishing techniques
Environmental impact
is to include but not be limited to how the sourcing and use of materials effects the environment and how its continued use will effect the area the material was sourced from, energy consumption in processing the material, greenhouse gases created, waste levels and resource utilisation. Similarly what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the material
Longevity and restorability
are to include an analysis of how long the material is expected to maintain its structure and colour, while maintaining quality of aesthetic value and how readily the material can be repaired or replaced
Hazards
may include but not be limited to overweight loads, bowing or cupping material causing collapse, materials handling incidents, splinters, chips or fragments being lodged in the hands or eyes
Critical analysis
may include but not be limited to comparing, contrasting, reflecting, critiquing, considering merit, discussion and debate
Elements of design
may include but not be limited to line, shape, form (geometric or organic), texture, colour, and function
Principles of design
may include but not be limited to balance, proportion (symmetry, asymmetry), harmony, contrast, pattern, movement, rhythm, unity, style, focus, scale, dominant, sub dominant or subordinate relationship, emphasis, proximity, alignment, space, anthropometry, ergonomics, arrangement, workload, materials handling capacity, skills, control, equipment capabilities, aesthetic relations, tension and development methods
Technology
may include but not be limited to manufacturing processes including volume and custom production processes, computer aided drafting (CAD) software programs and digital design tools, machinery, tools, techniques, laser cutting, water jet cutting, CNC router cutting, foundries and casting, and soft furnishing technology
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 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 of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
OHS requirements
are to be in accordance with Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures
requirements may include but not be limited to the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, fire fighting equipment, first aid equipment, hazard and risk control and elimination of hazardous materials and substances, manual handling including lifting and carrying
Legislative requirements
are to be in accordance with applicable legislation from all levels of government that affect organisational operation
requirements may include but not be limited to award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, OHS, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, relevant industry codes of practice, duty of care and heritage
Organisational requirements
may include but not be limited to legal, organisational and site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility, quality assurance, procedural manuals, quality and continuous improvement processes and standards, OHS, emergency and evacuation, ethical standards, recording and reporting, access and equity principles and practices, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Design brief
may include but not be limited to client needs and objectives, client aims and objectives and criteria for evaluation, milestones, organisational or personal profiles and aims, image requirements and function, target market, budget, timeline, consultation requirements and colour requirements
Appropriate personnel
may include but not be limited to trainers, supervisors, suppliers, clients, colleagues and managers
Communication
may include verbal and non-verbal language, constructive feedback, active listening, questioning to clarify and confirm understanding, use of positive, confident and cooperative language, use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences, control of tone of voice and body language
Clients
may include but not be limited to suppliers, manufacturers, private clients, colleagues, retailers or the public
Aesthetics
are to include the consideration of appeal to a large number of people; products are pleasing to the eye of many who view it
Material
may include but not be limited to solid timber (native and imported), manufactured timber products, reconstituted products, composite materials, plastic, metal, alloys, stone based products, glass, textiles, fibreglass, foam, synthetics, cardboard, paper products or any other manipulable substance
Tactile
is to include that perceived by the sense of touch and producing the effect of three dimensional depth
Manufacturing process
may include but not be limited to the methods by which the product will be produced, these steps usually entail working from working drawings and specifications, producing components utilising machine operations, assembly of the components and finishing techniques
Environmental impact
is to include but not be limited to how the sourcing and use of materials effects the environment and how its continued use will effect the area the material was sourced from, energy consumption in processing the material, greenhouse gases created, waste levels and resource utilisation. Similarly what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the material
Longevity and restorability
are to include an analysis of how long the material is expected to maintain its structure and colour, while maintaining quality of aesthetic value and how readily the material can be repaired or replaced
Hazards
may include but not be limited to overweight loads, bowing or cupping material causing collapse, materials handling incidents, splinters, chips or fragments being lodged in the hands or eyes
Critical analysis
may include but not be limited to comparing, contrasting, reflecting, critiquing, considering merit, discussion and debate
Elements of design
may include but not be limited to line, shape, form (geometric or organic), texture, colour, and function
Principles of design
may include but not be limited to balance, proportion (symmetry, asymmetry), harmony, contrast, pattern, movement, rhythm, unity, style, focus, scale, dominant, sub dominant or subordinate relationship, emphasis, proximity, alignment, space, anthropometry, ergonomics, arrangement, workload, materials handling capacity, skills, control, equipment capabilities, aesthetic relations, tension and development methods
Technology
may include but not be limited to manufacturing processes including volume and custom production processes, computer aided drafting (CAD) software programs and digital design tools, machinery, tools, techniques, laser cutting, water jet cutting, CNC router cutting, foundries and casting, and soft furnishing technology
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 relevant Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Effectively research and select materials and technology to assist with informing the design process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements
Effectively apply design elements and principles to the research and selection of materials and technology
Effectively research and select materials and technology in accordance with the concepts and design brief
Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for researching and recommending materials and technology
Communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to researching and recommending materials
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application
Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
Guidance information for assessment
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 relevant Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Effectively research and select materials and technology to assist with informing the design process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements
Effectively apply design elements and principles to the research and selection of materials and technology
Effectively research and select materials and technology in accordance with the concepts and design brief
Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for researching and recommending materials and technology
Communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to researching and recommending materials
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application
Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI292 | MSFFDT4011 | Research and select furniture materials and technology | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D668 | CUV40311 | Certificate IV in Design | Qualification |
| W644 | LMF50508 | Diploma of Furniture Design and Technology | Qualification |
| W642 | LMF40508 | Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology | Qualification |