Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Unit scope

This unit covers the work involved in developing, constructing, trialing and evaluating prototypes from design concepts and/or customer requirements

Prototypes may be produced by hand, by using appropriate machines, tools and equipment or by computer assisted production and will reflect the finished products produced by the enterprise

Unit context

OH&S requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, authorised handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Work requires individuals to demonstrate conceptual, analytical and organisational ability, discretion, judgement and problem solving skills

Workplace environment

The development and trialing of prototypes is undertaken in accordance with established enterprise procedures and practices

This work may be carried out on a team basis or with the support of dedicated specialist personnel

Customers may be internal or external

Machines/equipment may include:
any machine typically used in the furnishing sector concerned
microprocessor or computer-controlled machines
both production and facility equipment used in the enterprise

Materials to be used for prototypes will represent those normally used by the enterprise in its production processes. They may include but are not limited to:
timber
metal alloys
glass
fabrics and textiles
plastics
leather
cardboard and paper
adhesives
fillers and finishes as appropriate

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures

Design concepts/customer requirements

Designer's/drawer's specifications and instructions

Work procedures/instructions

Organisation work specifications and requirements

Legislation/regulations/national or industry codes and practices relevant to the prototype/sample construction

Quality and Australian standards and procedures

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Interpret work order, plans and specifications and locate and apply relevant information
Apply safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
Develop and evaluate a minimum of two different prototypes and:
develop the prototype specification
identify compatibility/incompatibility of materials, adhesives, fittings, fasteners, for the application
select and use appropriate materials, equipment and processes for the item being constructed
demonstrate how the design of the prototype components will influence the working lifetime of the item
ensure that the prototype satisfies the original or varied specification
prepare for and conduct evaluation trials
record outcomes and make recommendations for future activities
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Work effectively with others

Underpinning Knowledge
Intellectual property law requirements
The elements and principles of design
Trends and detailed knowledge of furniture construction
Destructive and non-destructive testing techniques and processes
Use of colour and other features
The range, properties and characteristics of materials used
Safety and environmental aspects of relevant enterprise activities
Workplace procedures and reporting process
Relevant OH&S legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to the prototype development including the relevant technical, regulatory, environmental and safety requirements
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable clarification of the development requirements, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment, systems and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and dimensions, create accurate and scaled drawings, and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Create and apply systematic problem solving techniques to anticipate problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the workplace technology related to the development, including calculators and measuring devices and computing/computer-aided systems

Resource Implications
Access to real or appropriately simulated situations involving the development and trialing of prototypes
This includes real or simulated work areas, materials, equipment, and information on design concepts, customer requirements, quality standards, organisation procedures, relevant safety procedures and regulations.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency, or the potential for consistency, of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation or work and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment may be conducted over time and in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a simulated workplace facility with relevant design inputs, staff, process equipment, simulated work procedures and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(2)