Clarification details
Updated December 2021. This clarification has been updated to address issues that have arisen from moderation.
Examples of complex techniques are given in Explanatory Note 4. These provide guidance about the expectations at Level 3, but are not an exhaustive list. Assessors may need to determine other techniques that are complex, and should indicate what these are. Students need to demonstrate at least two complex techniques in one media type.
Appropriate user experience principles will depend on the digital media outcome being developed. These should generally follow normal practice for that media type at a level suitable for Level 3.
Student evidence needs to show how the relevant implications have been addressed. Implications for the outcome should be identified early in the process to ensure that they are addressed, and they may be naturally occurring. Ideally, naturally occurring evidence is supported in the documentation to show how the implications have been addressed. There is no dedicated clarification document for relevant implications at Level 3. Guidance and definitions are provided in the Level 2 clarification.
Appropriate data integrity and testing procedures should show that the media outcome functions are intended, and that the information presented is relevant for both the purpose and end users.
For Merit, students will need to provide evidence of how the media outcome was improved using testing procedures and the application of user experience principles. For example, this could be shown with annotated screenshots.
For Excellence, iterative improvement is required throughout the design, development and testing process. Iterative improvement will involve cycles of refinements. For example, evidence of developing the outcome in sprints throughout the process. A working outcome is required for Achieved.
Students need to use efficient tools and techniques. There is a dedicated clarification document that expands on what is meant by iterative improvement.
Students need to use efficient tools and techniques. Assessors may need to determine tools and techniques that are effective, and should indicate what these are. Examples are provided in the published Assessment Resources on TKI. Evidence could include (for example) screenshots and corresponding justifications of efficient tool and technique usage.
Moderation requirements
Where evidence uses PHP and SQL or similar web-based methods, a link to show the website running on a web server should be provided rather than submitting the evidence to be unpacked into a web server by the moderator. Alternatively, a screencast showing the functional website operation could be submitted. This evidence should be supported by a student voice-over explaining what the website does and how it functions.
Assessors will need to ensure that all prepared supporting evidence such as voice-over video files, online version control tools or separate testing documents is accessible to the moderator. When those files are password-protected the access settings should be changed appropriately to allow the moderation process to occur.