Basic Elements of Design: Design Principles and Software Overview

  • 4.7
Approx. 11 hours to complete

Course Summary

Learn about the basic elements of design and how to apply them effectively in your own projects. This course covers topics such as color theory, typography, layout, and composition.

Key Learning Points

  • Develop a strong foundation in the principles of design
  • Apply design concepts to real-world projects
  • Learn tips and tricks for effective design communication

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basic principles of design
  • Apply design concepts to create effective projects
  • Communicate design ideas clearly and effectively

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior design experience required
  • Access to a computer with design software

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online self-paced
  • Video lectures
  • Hands-on projects

Similar Courses

  • Graphic Design Basics
  • Introduction to Typography

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • David Carson
  • Paula Scher

Related Books

Description

Designing for an organization, while requiring technical skill, is not just about knowing how to use a pagination program such as InDesign or manipulate photos using Photoshop. A designer is a visual storyteller, a person who pairs words with images and typography to best convey information to an audience. Good design evokes emotion and presents the news of the day with clarity and the proper tone. A business card, brochure, or website that has good design provides content that is more inviting, more easily comprehensible and is faster to process. Design isn’t about “making it look pretty,” it’s also about content, layout and audience analysis.

Knowledge

  • Recognize ways to work with graphic designers and other creative professionals. 
  • Understand the history and design process of the graphic design profession.
  • Compare the concepts of balance, proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast and space.
  • Discover the use of white space to develop shape, form, and structure in graphic projects.

Outline

  • What is Graphic Design?
  • Course Introduction
  • Historical Overview of Graphic Design
  • What Do Graphic Designers Actually Do?
  • Design Process
  • Course Expectations
  • Graphic Design Museums
  • Module 1 Quiz
  • Elements of Design
  • Overview of Design Principles
  • Balance and Alignment
  • Proximity and Space
  • Repetition and Consistency
  • Contrast and Color
  • Module 2 Quiz
  • Basic Concepts of Design
  • Overview of Assignments and Rubric
  • Online and Adobe Products Overview and Uses
  • Graphic Design Associations and Magazines/Websites
  • Design Process Worksheet

Summary of User Reviews

Learn the basics of design with this comprehensive course on Coursera. Many users have praised the clear and concise explanations provided throughout the course, making it easy for beginners to understand. However, some users have noted that the course could benefit from more interactive exercises and assignments.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Clear and concise explanations

Pros from User Reviews

  • Great introduction to design
  • Easy to follow and understand
  • High-quality video lectures
  • Good pacing of the course
  • Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging

Cons from User Reviews

  • Lack of interactive exercises
  • Some sections may be too basic for advanced users
  • Limited feedback on assignments
  • No opportunities for peer interaction
  • Course material could be more challenging
English
Available now
Approx. 11 hours to complete
Lori Poole
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera

Instructor

Lori Poole

  • 4.7 Raiting
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