Learners must complete a specified number of projects according to their specialisation and a design folio.
Projects
- at least one Major Project which includes a range of processes
- at least one or two Minor Project(s) depending on their specialisation.
The major and minor products will be fully finished items.
Guidelines for Minimum Work Requirements for Each of the Specialisations
Material |
Project Type |
Required Number of Items |
Examples of Projects |
Glass |
Major |
1 |
use of leadlight techniques to make a lampshade OR a decorative window panel OR a fused glass jewellery or vessel – series of 6 pieces |
Minor |
2 |
leadlighting techniques in a mandala (3-10 pieces of glass) and a brooch or small jewellery item |
Metal |
Major |
1 |
folding work bench including at least 6 of the following processes: marking out; cutting; drilling; welding; fitting; lathe work; milling or forming |
Minor |
1 |
weather vane, small toolbox, tool or implement, candelabra, metal legs for complementary project |
Plastics |
Major |
1 |
surfboard OR canoe using moulds, framing techniques, application of fibreglass and finishing |
Minor |
1 |
salt and pepper shakers, jewellery and accessories, bowls, minor car component, simple model or ornament/artefact |
Textiles |
Major |
1 |
garment using a commercial or hand drafted pattern which includes at least 2 of the following construction techniques: zip; button closure; set in sleeve; collar; hemming; facings; seam neatening; lining; or overlay fabrics OR textile or wearable art item such as clothing, artefacts or accessories featuring at least two different methods of embellishment or fabric manipulation |
Minor |
2 |
cushion, bag, small item of clothing, recycling or remodelling old clothing |
Wood |
Major |
1 |
table including a least four processes such as: shaping and profiling of legs; joints; edge treatment; and surface finishes |
Minor |
2 |
simple box, ottoman, simple storage systems, clock or mirror |
Composite Materials |
Major |
1 |
a product involving measurement, cutting/moulding, shaping and finishing of at least two different materials OR architectural model OR wearable art from mixed media or recycled materials |
Minor |
1 |
kite, table lamp, simple domestic wares, or simple jewellery |
Design Folio
Learners must document their design process for the Major Product.
The folio will involve undertaking and documenting a design process to develop ideas and produce a solution in response to a design brief.
The investigation, generation, production and evaluation phases of the design process will be reflected through both visual and written communication methods.
The Design Folio will document the following:
The Design Brief
The design brief may be learner or teacher generated and will identify:
- a need, problem, or challenge
- context
- constraints
- considerations
- end user.
Design Process Phases
Investigating
- Design information from a range of sources including precedents and items with a similar function
- Written evidence of consideration of relevant design factors directly related to the major project (i.e. functional, environmental, economic, aesthetic, social, and technological factors). The written component may be in a range of possible forms including, but not limited to:
- mind maps
- annotated images (e.g. features of a prominent designer’s work)
- a decision matrix
- ‘plus, minus and interesting’ (PMI) chart
- annotated sample board
- short report or paragraphs
The written component should contain a minimum of 400 words
- Success criteria for project.
Generating
- Sketching and drawing
- Modelling, trialling or prototyping
- Time plans, costing, production sequences and plans
- Design decisions and reasons for selection.
Producing
- Record of progress during production including photos and appraisal at critical points in the production of the object.
Appraisal
- Appraisal of each phase of design process
- Final appraisal of product or solution in relation to:
- how well the requirements and success criteria of design brief have been met
- modifications and adjustments made to plans
- what was learned through the process
- possible modifications to improve the product or solution.
Learners may use digital formats to present aspects of their design process (e.g. digital images of the production process, digital modelling or using a personalised media platform to collect design information).