Keep abreast of design trends and developments
Overview
This standard is for those who use analytical and practical skills to identify and explore design trends and developments in materials, production and design technology and sustainability.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
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analyse the extent to which contemporary and historical developments inform and influence design work using best available information, given constraints of time and costs
analyse and compare design trends, opportunities and market directions within own specialism and related areas using best available information, given constraints of time and costs
gather valid and reliable evidence of the range of trends, developments and opportunities that affect design work
identify and forecast potential design opportunities and market directions and their effect on design work
Explore materials, techniques and sustainability
5. explore the properties, uses, sustainability and availability of new materials by investigating information sources and practical testing with given constraints of time and cost
- assess the potential of any changes and new developments in technology, how they could be used, their costs, and how they could improve performance, sustainability and efficiency
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- sources of information and advice on the types, properties and characteristics of new developments of materials
- how to gather information from literature, the internet and observation
- how to carry out qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- practical testing techniques to test the suitability of materials and design technology
- how to identify design opportunities and market directions
- how to identify cultural and historical trends
- sources of advice and information on trends, design opportunities and market directions
- the use of information retrieval systems
- the requirements, benefits and limitations of technology
- the organisation's rules, codes, guidelines and standards
- legal and regulatory requirements & constraints
- professional ethics and practices
- the importance of sustainable working methods and your responsibility for them