Description
Course Overview
This introductory course provides a foundation in visual communication through typography, layout, and color. You will learn how to communicate effectively through design to inform, educate, entertain, and persuade audiences across various media.
Learning Objectives
- Understand and apply fundamental design principles to create effective visual communications<
- Develop basic skills in typography, color theory, and layout design
- Identify appropriate design solutions for different communication needs
- Create simple design projects using industry-standard software
Assessment Method
- In-class exercises
- Day 2 capstone project
- Participation in discussions and critiques
Course Curriculum
Day 1 (3 hours)
- Introduction (10 minutes)
- Course overview and expectations
- Introduction to design thinking
- Block 1: Design Fundamentals (80 minutes)
- Visual elements of design: line, shape, color, texture, space
- Design principles: balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, repetition
- Understanding target audiences and interpreting design briefs
- Analysis of effective designs
- Break (10 minutes)
- Block 2: Color Theory & Typography (80 minutes)
- Color psychology and meaning
- Color harmonies and RGB, CMYK, and Pantone systems
- Font classifications and anatomy
- Typographic hierarchy and pairing fonts
- Practical exercises combining color and type
- Session Wrap-up (10 minutes)
- Q&A session
- Preview of Day 2
- Small assignment to prepare for next session
Day 2 (3 hours)
- Recap & Assignment Review (10 minutes)
- Review of Day 1 concepts
- Discussion of assignments
- Block 1: Layout Design & Software Overview (80 minutes)
- Grid systems and visual hierarchy
- Magazine, book, and digital layout principles
- Introduction to Adobe Creative Suite
- Understanding file formats and preparation
- Break (10 minutes)
- Block 2: Capstone Project (80 minutes)
- Brief introduction to project requirements
- Guided work session on individual projects
- Application of learned concepts
- Group critique and feedback
- Course Conclusion (10 minutes)
- Final Q&A
- Resources for continued learning
- Next steps in design education
