Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91053 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard asks you to understand what design elements are and how they work together to make something look and function well. You need to describe these design elements (like colour, balance, shape, line) and explain what makes a design good or bad within a real context — whether that's a poster, a product, clothing, or anything else your teacher gives you.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91053?

Accepted Answer

1. Describe specific design elements (such as line, balance, shape, colour, symmetry, strength, contrast, durability, or alignment) that are used in a design 2. Identify what makes a design work well or poorly in its specific context 3. Consider both subjective factors (personal taste, style, cultural preference) and objective factors (how it works, cost, ergonomics, purpose) when judging design quality 4. Use evidence from the design itself to support your explanations 5. Show that you understand how design elements connect to the purpose and context of the design

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91053?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You describe the design elements present and identify some factors that affect whether the design works well for its purpose. Merit: You explain *why* certain design elements matter and how specific design choices affect the quality of the design within its context. Excellence: You discuss and evaluate how the design elements together create a successful (or unsuccessful) design by weighing up both the subjective and objective considerations that matter in that specific context.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91053?

Accepted Answer

1. Describing design elements without connecting them to the actual context or purpose of the design 2. Focusing only on subjective factors (like 'I like the colour') without considering objective, measurable factors (like how well it functions or suits its purpose) 3. Not using specific evidence from the design to back up your points

Design elements

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