Practice Notes


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  • The DIA has a comprehensive reference set of Practice Notes to assist DIA designer members in their professional practice.

    The Practice Notes cover areas such as contracts, tendering, administration, the legal business environment, fees, salaries, intellectual property and much more.

    A complete set of Practice Notes is provided as a member benefit to MDIA members. Other practitioners can contact the DIA to purchase these materials.

    DIA General members can download a discipline-specific Study Set of Practice Notes and the Summary Fee & Salary Practice Note.

    Complete sets and individual DIA Practice Notes are available for purchase.

    Practice Notes marked ’General’ are suitable for any design discipline while those that indicate a specific discipline generally contain terminology and situations specific to that discipline. The principles and methods discussed are often adaptable to other disciplines.

  • We are looking for new ways to engage with our members & connect them to relevant resources that aid their careers in design.

    To assist with this process we have assembled a working group to outline the way forward. If you would like to be involved or find out more please contact us.

    admin@design.org.au

  • Use of Practice Notes guidelines can be downloaded here.

GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Superannuation

Superannuation is one of those topics most of us avoid. But the choices you make about super during your working life can make a big difference to your retirement. This handy guide takes you through all the superannuation basics, such as what the contribution rules are and how to decipher the jargon, so you don't need to become a financial expert to start taking charge of your money.

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INDUSTRIAL Goran Rupena INDUSTRIAL Goran Rupena

Industrial Design Fee Types

There are a number of methods of charging fees for industrial design. At times it may be appropriate to charge using different methods for different aspects of a project. The most common methods are outlined in this practice note.

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INTERIOR Goran Rupena INTERIOR Goran Rupena

Interior Design Fee Types

There are a number of methods of charging fees for residential interior designers and decorators. Consultants and their clients are free to negotiate on any basis whatsoever. The most common methods are outlined in this practice note.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Intellectual Property for Designers

The simplest definition of Intellectual Property (IP) is a productive new idea. The word ‘productive’ means that the idea is commercially applied. The word ‘new’ is crucial – you must prove that you are the first to create your idea. These concepts underpin all the different types of IP rights. The most commonly used IP protection for designers are design rights.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Disputes

This Practice Note outlines the Design Institute of Australia’s policy and process for resolving disputes relating to design services.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Contract Guidelines

General outline of designer and client responsibilities in relation to contracts and the preparation of briefs. Use as a checklist when formulating contracts or price submissions.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Confidentiality Agreement

From time to time clients may require you to sign a form to control the disclosure of commercially sensitive information during business transactions. The following is an example of a form used by clients. Alternatively, there may be circumstances when you may require your subcontractors to sign such a form.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Exhibiting Your Design

Developing your design is just one part of a designer's work in the industry. Presenting your ideas, concepts, or finished products is the next step in finding an audience and, ultimately, a market for your work as a practising professional.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Staff performance

This Practice Note builds on contemporary approaches to positive workplace culture, and includes advice for sole traders on making time for reflection and learning, and the benefits for everyone of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the DIA’s Accredited Designer™ program.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Insurance

This Practice Note decodes the different types of insurance designers might need and provides tips for getting the best deal for your business.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

This Practice Note unpacks the Goods and Services Tax to step you through how to handle charging clients, claim deductions and set up the right account for your business with the tax office.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Setting up a Design Practice

This Practice Note outlines the basics of establishing a new design business, from choosing the right legal structure to meeting your tax and workplace safety responsibilities.

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GENERAL Goran Rupena GENERAL Goran Rupena

Social Media for Designers

This Practice Note is full of expert advice for harnessing the power of social media to build a successful design business, starting with the basics of identifying your target audience and covering everything you need to know to get your messages right, and what to do when it all goes wrong.

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GENERAL Caitlin Ripper GENERAL Caitlin Ripper

Supply Chain Transparency

This Practice Note provides a thorough explanation of the concept of supply chain transparency, how it applies to designers and best practice for reporting to clients.

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