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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111151  Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-16  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design will offer a cognitive focus to enable learners to apply the skills and knowledge of Industrial Design to the development of products driven by both market need and an understanding of the complex socio-technical and economic situations in South Africa.
The qualification comprises the four main phases of Industrial Design:
1. Discover (problem identification and user-context analysis).
2. Define (framing and reframing).
3. Develop (concept and ideation) .
4. Deliver (manufacture and distribution).
Through this, a learner will build the capacity to advance their abilities and deepen their understanding of the Industrial Design profession and related areas of practice. The qualification will thus also facilitate articulation into more diverse career paths, including research, set design, advanced product design and manufacture, and increase analytical thinking and advanced technical skills through areas of specialisation. The learner will achieve competency through the innovative application of technology and an understanding of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental and socio-technical issues within the field of Industrial Design.

The qualification is intended for learners who want to practise their profession independently as entrepreneurs or with minimal supervision within a design organisation as Industrial Designers where it is necessary to take full responsibility for their own work and decision-making.

The qualification offers further professional development towards a deep and systematic integrated understanding of current thinking, practice and theory in order to evaluate the appropriateness and ethical impact of methodologies as applied in Industrial Design.

This qualification will also prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in Industrial Design, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex problems through the purposeful selection and use of research and development methods and techniques in variable and unfamiliar contexts.

Rationale:
The field of Industrial Design concerns itself with the design of functional products normally manufactured through industrialised processes from a combination of hard materials such as metals, woods and polymers. Although typical examples would be a television set or a bicycle, the scope of industrial design projects could vary from a ceramic coffee cup to a high-speed train. The typical role of the Industrial Designer is to be part of a multidisciplinary team keeping the focus on the big initial idea and to coordinate the communication and decision making between the different role players.

The Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design, Level 7 focuses on the improvement of the quality of life through the design of more appropriate functional products. The qualification provides learners with the necessary technical skills to design a new product according to a given brief, to communicate the design intention through appropriate visual media and create the technical specifications for components thereof. The qualification aims to provide learners with a deep understanding of the context where the intended product will function and the ability to develop a design brief for a product through careful analysis of the situation with its social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects.

The qualification aims to provide entry-level vocational or professional specialisation for learners in Product Design and or prepare learners for Postgraduate qualification study. This qualification provides a high degree of practical application, focused on a possible specialisation which meets requirements of a particular sector of industry, for example furniture industry, packaging, medical equipment, disability aids, etc. The qualification is suitable for continuing professional development and provides a deep, systematic understanding of specialised theory and practice for advanced education and training in Industrial Design.

The Department of Economic Development has identified design as an important catalyst for economic growth. The design industry in the Western Cape is showing encouraging signs of growth. It is estimated that close to 80 000 people work in design-related businesses in the Western Cape and contribute R14 billion a year to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Therefore, in 2012 the Western Cape Government's Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) collaborated with the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) to develop a Design Strategy for the Western Cape region. Following from this strategy, a Design skills gap analysis study was done by the Western Cape Government. Industrial Design is listed as National Scarce Skill number 80 out of 100. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL can be used for two purposes, namely:
  • Granting access to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
  • Granting advanced standing in the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Industrial Design, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Design, Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Design Entrepreneurship, 30 Credits.
  • Research for Report Writing, 20 Credits.
  • Design Theory and Critique, 20 Credits.
  • Product Design 4, 30 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies for Design, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and analyse Industrial Design related problems and their parameters within South African society in order to develop contextually relevant industrial design solutions.
    2. Develop proposals and plans for contextually relevant Industrial Design solutions that are justified by evidence-based information and theory-driven arguments.
    3. Write and present reports to demonstrate and integrate specialised knowledge in the field of Industrial Design.
    4. Demonstrate basic ethical considerations in industrial design practice.
    5. Critically reflect on the influence of changing global and societal systems, new paradigms and related innovation and apply them to design processes, production and user integration in local contexts.
    6. Initiate, implement and review a collaborative entrepreneurial Industrial Design project in response to an identified business opportunity.
    7. Select and apply relevant emerging manufacturing technologies in Industrial Design projects, with justification.
    8. Display professional competencies as an Industrial Designer who can work independently and in teams in unfamiliar and varied corporate environments or as an entrepreneur. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Investigate, identify and analyse industrial design problems in variable and unfamiliar South African contexts.
  • Identify and report on stakeholders and on socio-cultural, technical and environmental aspects of the problem.
  • Define manageable problem parameters for industrial design solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Present written and or visual proposals and plans for appropriate, ethical industrial design solutions that follow the design methodology steps of:
    1. Discover (problem identification and user-context analysis).
    2. Define (framing and reframing).
    3. Develop (concept and ideation).
  • Justify solutions with reference to relevant design theory, evidence from recent research/case studies and empirical evidence from own field research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Provide a comprehensive, written analysis of the identified problem and its context.
  • Explain the project process and methodologies in detail and justify decisions made.
  • Present professional quality illustrations and technical specifications of the product in the project report.
  • Use academic and professional discourses that are appropriate to the purpose of the report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss ethical considerations in project proposals and comply with institutional ethics policies when conducting design research.
  • Evaluate the appropriateness and ethical impact of methodologies as applied in industrial design practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Refer to and critically engage with globally relevant concepts, paradigms and innovations in assignments and projects.
  • Situate and critique proposed design solutions, production and user integration within a larger global system of change and innovation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify scope and analyse the business opportunity, the stakeholders and the design solution using appropriate research methodologies.
  • Draw up a detailed business and marketing plan for the design solution.
  • In collaboration with a project partner/team, implement the business and marketing plan and the design solution to deadlines.
  • Review the project plan, implementation and product and make recommendations for improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply emerging manufacturing technologies correctly and accurately in the design of components.
  • Formulate appropriate questions related to a given design project when confronted with new technologies.
  • Explain principles, rules and restrictions of different industrial processes, materials and tooling for the design of successful components.
  • Demonstrate the limitations of different industrial processes, materials and tooling in detailed design work.
  • Provide comprehensive and accurate technical specifications for manufacture of various product components.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Develop and communicate own ideas and design proposals clearly and confidently, using multi-media at a professional level.
  • Display individuality in design work that is clearly recognisable.
  • Work independently and in teams, to produce work of a professional quality by specified deadlines.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, learners centred-learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance learner engagement. Assessment practices aim to be fair, reliable and valid within keeping of the academic, disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

    Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learning, providing learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of Industrial Design. In this qualification, it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving individual and group assignments and projects, case studies, design portfolio development, class discussions, quizzes, field trip reports and academic poster design.

    Summative assessment will take place at the end of each semester and is aimed at assessing learners' attainment against the learning outcomes of the qualification and subjects. Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written assignments, a research report and presentation of practical design work in an examination setting.

    Integrated assessment cuts across the subjects within the qualification and is aimed at the holistic development of learners. It contributes to learners' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. Assessment in this form is conducted at regular formative points throughout the year as learner's work on design briefs that draw on each of the five subjects. At the end of the year, learners will be assessed holistically by means of written project reports, a final design portfolio and an oral presentation relevant to the needs and requirements of industry. Integrated assessment in this qualification aims to:
  • Assess the extent to which learner can practice competently, effectively, ethically within an Industrial Design consultancy, a manufacturing company or a creative studio environment.
  • Evaluate the extent to which students have integrated the professional roles, knowledge, practice, and skills delivered through the learning outcomes of the subjects of this qualification.
  • Establish good practice with regard to reflection in and on action during design process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was conducted with the following institutions:
    1. Royal College of Art (RCA) (London, England).
    The university offers learners courses with a focus on research. The Design Products qualification, in the School of Design, aligns with this Advanced Diploma in that both focus on the development of design thinkers who are able to take on complex, real world problems. The aim of both qualifications is to "engage with design on multiple levels: as a cultural and societal activity and as an innovation process where design can deliver new products, new services and new ways of running or creating businesses or even new ways of doing business". The five design platforms used to explore product design at RCA link to outcomes and structure of the Advanced Diploma, and include; Design through Making, Design through Manufacture, Object Mediated Interactions, Design as Catalyst and Exploring Emergent Futures.

    2. Parsons The New School of Design (New York, USA)
    The Advanced Diploma was benchmarked against the Product Design (BFA) offered within the School of Constructed Environments. Similarities between this programme and the Advanced Diploma include a focus on global perspectives, design practice within a social and environmental context, research as design tool, responsive product design.

    3. Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) (Lausanne, Switzerland)
    The Bachelor of Industrial Design offered at ECAL very closely mirrors the Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design. Both courses include subjects focused on the development of practical design skills through studio work, both two and three-dimensional design solutions are explored, as well as the development of theoretical and research abilities. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Design, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.