Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:21 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:21 AM 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.
Develop and extend design skills and practice
Develop and extend design skills and practice
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBDES403A
BSBDES403A
State Code
D0666
D0666
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
100501 - Graphic Arts And Design Studies
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and extend skills as a practising designer.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Acquire and develop technical skills
- 1.1. Plan strategies to ensure the development of appropriate technical skills in design practice
- 1.2. Plan and use opportunities to develop and assess technical skills
- 1.3. Identify and use practice, feedback, discussion and evaluation opportunities to continuously improve technical skills
- 1.4. Develop and extend technical skills through testing capabilities of materials, tools and equipment
- 1.5. Identify and use relevant media to stimulate technical and professional development
2. Develop conceptual skills and ideas
- 2.1. Engage in ongoing experimentation and exploration of different ideas and techniques
- 2.2. Discuss ideas with others and apply knowledge gained to inform own work
- 2.3. Use work practice to gain experience in a range of genres and interpretations
- 2.4. Study the work of others to stimulate conceptual and technical skills development
- 2.5. Research and share ideas across a range of design disciplines
- 2.6. Identify and use a range of opportunities to develop own skills and keep informed about current design practice
3. Develop own voice
- 3.1. Explore and experiment with new ideas in making and/or interpreting design work
- 3.2. Explore and use technology, where appropriate, to develop own voice and expand practice
- 3.3. Demonstrate own voice through design project realisation
4. Evaluate own work
- 4.1. Seek and apply constructive criticism from others to improve own work
- 4.2. Evaluate own work against planned strategy for own practice
- 4.3. Evaluate own work in the context of work by others in order to extend own practice
- 4.4. Adjust work processes and practice as necessary to improve technical, conceptual and commercial outcomes
5. Research work opportunities
- 5.1. Correctly identify sources of information relating to work opportunities for designers
- 5.2. Identify networks and promotional opportunities for designers which may be helpful in developing career opportunities
- 5.3. Incorporate research results and information into own work and career planning
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.
Strategies for developing self as a designer may include:
being involved in a range of relevant design activities
communicating with peers
experimenting
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities
participating in relevant groups or associations
practising
undertaking training courses
working effectively with supervisor
working with a mentor or coach
Technical skills may include skills in:
animation
digital/electronic design
entertainment design
fashion/clothing/accessories design
furnishings
furniture design
graphic design
illustration/technical drawing
interior design
jewellery design
object design
photoimaging
tableware design
other design disciplines
Testing capabilities refers to:
experimenting with innovative applications
extending the possibilities of materials, tools and equipment towards their full potential
Relevant media may include:
catalogues
journals
magazines
Opportunities to develop own skills may include participation in and/or attendance at, some of the following:
competitions
exhibitions
floor talks at galleries
laboratories
lectures, seminars, conferences, symposiums
manufacturing sites
master classes
professional organisations
trade fairs, expositions
Developing own voice includes:
analysing and researching the work of others relevant to selected area of specialisation
analysing conventions, practices and customs in design practice
developing repertoire and knowledge
exploring elements and principles of design
Sources of information may include:
design journals
employer listings
exhibition catalogues and programs
job advertisements
websites
word of mouth
Networks may include:
alumni organisations
colleagues and teachers
consumer organisations
professional associations
Promotional opportunities may include:
applications to funding bodies
competitions
demonstrations
exhibitions
performances
trade fairs
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.
Strategies for developing self as a designer may include:
being involved in a range of relevant design activities
communicating with peers
experimenting
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities
participating in relevant groups or associations
practising
undertaking training courses
working effectively with supervisor
working with a mentor or coach
Technical skills may include skills in:
animation
digital/electronic design
entertainment design
fashion/clothing/accessories design
furnishings
furniture design
graphic design
illustration/technical drawing
interior design
jewellery design
object design
photoimaging
tableware design
other design disciplines
Testing capabilities refers to:
experimenting with innovative applications
extending the possibilities of materials, tools and equipment towards their full potential
Relevant media may include:
catalogues
journals
magazines
Opportunities to develop own skills may include participation in and/or attendance at, some of the following:
competitions
exhibitions
floor talks at galleries
laboratories
lectures, seminars, conferences, symposiums
manufacturing sites
master classes
professional organisations
trade fairs, expositions
Developing own voice includes:
analysing and researching the work of others relevant to selected area of specialisation
analysing conventions, practices and customs in design practice
developing repertoire and knowledge
exploring elements and principles of design
Sources of information may include:
design journals
employer listings
exhibition catalogues and programs
job advertisements
websites
word of mouth
Networks may include:
alumni organisations
colleagues and teachers
consumer organisations
professional associations
Promotional opportunities may include:
applications to funding bodies
competitions
demonstrations
exhibitions
performances
trade fairs
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:
development of own voice through exploring and experimenting with new ideas in making and/or interpreting work
application of planned strategies to develop appropriate skills in design practice
use of discussion and evaluation opportunities to inform and develop technical and conceptual skills.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to the materials, resources and equipment used in the development of technical and conceptual skills in the relevant design context.
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 candidate diary or log detailing the ways in which different experiences and opportunities have been used to develop and extend skills
evaluation of bodies of work that demonstrate the progressive development of skills
evaluation of a presentation by the candidate addressing the ways in which a pro-active approach to skills development has been taken.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
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:
development of own voice through exploring and experimenting with new ideas in making and/or interpreting work
application of planned strategies to develop appropriate skills in design practice
use of discussion and evaluation opportunities to inform and develop technical and conceptual skills.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to the materials, resources and equipment used in the development of technical and conceptual skills in the relevant design context.
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 candidate diary or log detailing the ways in which different experiences and opportunities have been used to develop and extend skills
evaluation of bodies of work that demonstrate the progressive development of skills
evaluation of a presentation by the candidate addressing the ways in which a pro-active approach to skills development has been taken.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6495 | CUVDSP02A | Develop self as designer | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUL36 | BSBDES403 | Develop and extend design skills and practice | Unit of competency |