Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Visual communication researchmay relate to:
history of visual communication:
key stages of development
technology
interactions with other modes of communication
internet
particular aspects of visual communication:
colour
drawing
images
photography
signs
typography
visual communication in a particular cultural context.
Specific needs and perspectives may be influenced by:
commercial aspirations or requirements
discussions and ideas of others
previous research
techniques used in own practice
requirements of a particular work project
use of technology.
Assumptions and preconceptions may relate to:
how information is presented
level of formality required in the research process
own preconceptions
preconceptions of others
what types of research are acceptable
where to find information.
Historical and contemporary sources may include:
artworks
commercial brief
critical writing
events
exhibitions
experiences of self or others
films
images
internet
music
objects
other people
performances
presentations
printed texts
technical information.
Others may include:
artists
creative directors
designers
peers
teachers.
New and potentially unintended directions may be those which:
challenge preconceptions about work process and outcomes
generate completely new ideas
lead the individual to work with different tools and technologies
take the individual back to earlier ideas.
Substantiated opinions and ideas are:
grounded in appropriate research
result of rational and logical thought
subjected to the analysis of others (e.g. peer review)
supported by relevant information.
Integration of research findingsmay relate to:
design strategies
ideas and themes
materials
media
motifs
processes
styles
techniques
technologies.
Business practice considerations may relate to:
marketing and promotion of work
need for collaboration
need for further research and development time
new opportunities
use of technology.

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 ability to:
select appropriate research focus based on professional needs
draw ideas and information from research to guide professional practice
present clear ideas in writing
communicate in an informed way about visual communication history and theory.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a range of visual communication history and theory information sources
interaction with others as part of the discussion process, which may be physical or virtual.
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:
evaluation of presentation or documentation prepared by the candidate explaining research processes and how issues surrounding history or theory have been incorporated into work
case studies to assess ability to research and use different types of information
questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.