Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:59 AM AWST

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Research and apply design theory

Research and apply design theory

Unit of competency
National Code
BSBDES701A
State Code
D0671
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/04/2008
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/09/2014
Field of Education
100501 - Graphic Arts And Design Studies
Original Release Date
30/09/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research and apply different theories of design.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research design theory
  • 1.1. Use a range of research techniques to source information about design theory
  • 1.2. Identify and explore new, emerging and alternative sources of ideas and thinking about design
  • 1.3. Expand own knowledge and understanding of design through review and critical analysis of information
  • 1.4. Analyse, compare and contrast a range of theoretical perspectives and thinking on design
2. Apply theories of design to professional practice
  • 2.1. Evaluate the relevance and application of different theories of design based on analysis of own professional and personal experience
  • 2.2. Analyse the ways in which different aspects of history, theory and other influences are applied, adapted or challenged in practice
  • 2.3. Assess the ways in which theories and thinking about design may be applied in ways that provide benefits to individuals, businesses and communities
3. Develop, articulate and debate own perspectives on theories of design
  • 3.1. Take a critical approach to different theories and reflect on own ideas and responses
  • 3.2. Develop own substantiated positions in response to research and analysis
  • 3.3. Articulate own positions in a manner which demonstrates clarity of thought and conceptual understanding of different theories and thinking
  • 3.4. Debate own positions on design showing belief in own and ideas and a willingness to remain open to new perspectives
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.
Research techniques may include:
desk research
informal discussions
internet
interviews
literature reviews
New, emerging and alternative sources of ideas and thinking may include:
current business theories
government policy
individual in any field of endeavour
innovative organisations
international trends
Critical analysis may involve:
adapting
analysing and evaluating actions and policies
challenging
clarifying issues, values and standards
comparing analogous situations
comparing and contrasting ideals with practice
comparing and evaluating beliefs, interpretations and theories
developing criteria for evaluation
distinguishing relevant from irrelevant facts
examining and evaluating assumptions
exploring implications and consequences
generating and assessing solutions
debating and discussing
judging
making interdisciplinary connections
making plausible inferences and predictions
noting significant similarities and differences
questioning
reading and listening critically
reflecting
Theoretical perspectives and thinking may be:
economic
environmental
historical
local, national and international
political
social/cultural
Own professional and personal experience may include:
evaluation of contexts in which creativity has flourished
evaluation of different attitudes to design and the role of designers
observations of the ways people interrelate with the design process, of the ways people use and adapt designs in daily life
reflection on current political, social and cultural trends
reflection on own experience with any type design process
workplace experience
Benefits to individuals, businesses and communities may include:
better individual and business relationships
capacity for innovation and invention
greater social cohesion
improved productivity and profit
psychological wellbeing of individuals and communities
Substantiated positions may be positions which are:
grounded in appropriate research
result of rational and logical thought
subjected to the analysis of others
supported by relevant information
Clarity of thought and conceptual understanding may be demonstrated by:
ability to exchange and debate ideas with others
appropriate distillation of ideas to suit the required purpose
audience understanding
clear articulation of ideas
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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
research into past, current and emerging theories of design
development of substantiated positions on design and its application in response to own analysis and research
knowledge of different theories and thinking on design and its application in different social and work contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
use of current and emerging sources of information and thinking on design.
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:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
evaluation of research undertaken by the candidate into design theory and its application
evaluation of candidate's participation in discussion and debate on theories of design
Guidance information for assessment
The design process does not occur in isolation. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUI51 BSBDES801 Research and apply design theory Unit of competency