Design Concepts (D300)

Do you see yourself as a non-creative individual? Do you want to learn to effectively design and create sharper and more successful websites and graphics from the ground up? This course will teach the basics plus a whole lot more to help get you on the road to creating, designing and implementing solid designs for the web! In this introductory course, basic design thinking, theory and practice will be explored in an easy to absorb, fun and relaxed environment.

Students will begin by understanding and implementing the foundations of design: the basic elements and principles of design. These elements and principles are applicable to all design mediums such as architecture, art, graphic design, photography, print and web design. Special emphasis will be given to the application of these principles and elements, along with color and typography, to the medium of web design.

For students who have not had formal training in design, this course will bring them up to speed with the fundamentals of design, while learning how to apply these concepts to web and graphic design. For students who have received previous design training, this course will offer new techniques, tips and tricks, and new ways of thinking of design fundamentals while applying these concepts to the electronic mediums of web design and graphics for the web.

Outline

Week 1: Defining design, an introduction and history of design, and the first set of elements and principles of design

Defining design.
A brief introduction and history of design.
Principles and elements: Understanding the differences.
Understanding the first set of principles of design: unity/variety, hierarchy, proportion, and scale.
Understanding the first set of elements of design: shape, space/whitespace, line, and size

Week 2: The role of a designer, differences between web and print design, and second set of elements and principles of design.

Discussion: The role of a designer in the construction of functional website.
Discussions: Design is a process that has a clear beginning and end.
A brief synopsis of the differences between print and web design.
Understanding the second set of principles of design: balance, rhythm/repetition, proximity, and emphasis.
Understanding the second set of elements of design: color, texture/pattern, value, and typography.

Week 3: Exploring pattern and texture, classical rules of composition, and value.

Exploring and using texture and pattern.
Discovering the classical rules of composition Part I and Part II: (includes leading the viewer's eye, the use of grids in design, the use of a browser enhanced grid in design, proportions and the Golden Mean and the Rules of Third).
Understanding and implementing value.

Week 4: Creating and enhancing designs with color and typography.

Understanding the color models.
Exploring the technicalities of color.
Working with color creatively.
Typography Basics - Understanding typography and using it creatively.

Week 5: Solidifying a design concept, generating ideas, design tips and breaking the rules.

Brainstorming techniques.
Exploring and enhancing avenues of creativity.
Design tips for designs and graphics destined for the Web.
Learning how to break the rules of design.

Week 6: Finalizing the concept.

Putting the 5 weeks of work together by revising,polishing and presenting a final project, which consists of a design comp that utilizes the principles and elements of design, along with a cohesive color palette, typography, strong composition and creativity.
Peer evaluation.

Prerequisites

Introduction to HTML H101 or equivalent experience with HTML. Beginning knowledge of Photoshop, Fireworks or Paint Shop Pro is recommended but not required. We do go through the actions of putting a site design together throughout the course of the class. The more familiar you are with your graphics program, the more success you will have in this course.

Requirements

Approaching the Learning Process: Students will gain an understanding of design and its implementation by participating in discussions, reading, written lectures and assignments that are built upon as the course progresses. Weekly lessons will include analysis of websites that make use of the basic principles and elements of design. Examples of experimental website design and more conservative website designs will be studied as well.
Software: Students will need access to a graphics program that can handle layers such as Photoshop (full version, Elements or LE), Paint Shop Pro or Fireworks. Please make sure that any trial versions of software do not contain save, feature or time limitations that can impede in your completion of the course. Knowledge of HTML coding along with an HTML editor such as Dreamweaver, Notepad, BBEdit, Arachnophobia, HomeSite or similar program will be needed to create a personal site where all assignments and class notes can be uploaded to, and accessed by, the instructor and other students.
Student Commitment: This course will cover a lot of material and it does require a serious commitment of time and energy both from students and the instructor. Students should have enough time in the week to absorb the following within the given deadlines: Experiment with new techniques, complete weekly labs, and read weekly lectures, book material and additional resources. It is not advised that students plan a vacation or heavy workloads during this course.
Programming: Students must be familiar with basic file management, how to run and navigate a computer, basic HTML, and uploading and downloading files via their web space control panel or an FTP program. Assignments will be posted via a web site generated by the student. If you are not familiar with HTML, it is advised that you take the H101 Introduction to HTML 4.0 class or that you use a WYSIWYG program such as Dreamweaver.
Web Space (Server): Students must have a web space where they can upload their personal site and assignments. Ideally you should avoid web spaces that support banner ads or pop-up adds as this adds code to your pages. If you do not have a web space, try your ISP first as many provide a small amount of space with your monthly fee. If yours does not, there are a number of free services that are available on the net. A good place to look for free web space is www.freewebspace.net.

Books:
Required Book:	Exploring the Elements of Design (2nd Edition)
Or:	Exploring the Elements of Design (1st Edition)
Additional information:
Your place in the course is confirmed by your payment. Introductory courses are intended for students with no experience in the subject matter and are seeking beginner level training. Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Refund Policy before registering for this course. Additional Cost: Book and software might be required for the course. Read the Requirements and Book section for more information. Course fee does not include the book and software cost . How eClasses Work:Instructors post lectures (text-based, no video or audio), reading selections, and hands-on assignments once a week in the online classroom. Students can discuss the assignments with the instructor and amongst themselves in the classroom area. This format has no set meeting time, which allows students to attend class at a time most convenient to them, yet still provides logically organized communication between class participants. Students can apply for the completion certificate after finishing the class.

Price:

$200.00

Item No.:

D300

Instructor:

Astrid Garcia

CEUs:

Duration:

6 weeks

Open Courses:

Start Date: Mar 29, 2010

(Register by: Apr 1, 2010 )

Start Date: Jun 7, 2010

(Register by: Jun 10, 2010 )

Start Date: Aug 16, 2010

(Register by: Aug 19, 2010 )

Start Date: Oct 25, 2010

(Register by: Oct 28, 2010 )

Testimonials

Instructor's Profile

Astrid Garcia holds a BFA in Photography and Digital Imaging and is a Poynter Institute Fellowship graduate. She is a freelance web designer and owns her own photography business, AstridandRene.com. Her personal work includes fine art photography, which has been exhibited in several galleries. Her editorial work has been previously published in newspapers and her body of work of Hurricane Andrew was awarded the National Press Association's Editorial Award. Astrid began teaching Photoshop with eClasses.org in 2001. She continues to provide quality and thorough instruction while bringing her wide range of experience and passion for digital technologies into the classroom. Astrid is a current member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

Before you register for this class, please read the Outline, Prerequisites, Requirements, Books, and Refund Policy sections carefully.

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Completion Certificate - Design Concepts (C.D300)

Testimonials

Rating

"Design Concepts is a great class. Astrid Garcia is one of the best instructors I have had for eClasses online classes. She responds promptly to questions and evaluates assignments in a timely manner. Her evaluations are positive and helpful. Astrid's list of classroom resources is exceptional. " - Marilyn Miller
"Astrid is a superb teacher and design doctor. I don't think she left a stone unturned. The lectures and off-site links are a treasure. After printing the lectures and a good sampling of the required reading, I've about filled a 3-inch thick binder. It'll be a timeless on-shelf reference book for me for many years to come. Astrid is able to accurately diagnose design problems and point the way to solving them. Her criticisms are always constructive and she is unfailingly supportive. It was a wonderful class." - Diane Neufeldt
"Astrid is an incredible teacher. She is thoughtful, and really looks at what you do and she does that for every student. This woman's energy is infectious. Great fantastic class.
Thank you!" - Dominique Clawson
"Of all the classes I've taken here, Design Concepts with Astrid Garcia is easily the best class ever! The class is challenging, but in a very good way. Astrid really helped me view websites differently and to make better design choices. Her lectures were wonderful, and the resources she provided in terms of other links were extremely valuable. I wish the class could have continued!" - Jennifer Johns
"The Design Concepts class is outstanding in content, quality and delivery. There are many online classes out there, but this one is truly a gem. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and intensity of the learning. I appreciated the copious amount of additional references on design and other related topics. They were mentally stimulating and inspiring. The instructor, Astrid, was excellent. " - Teresa Cheong
"Design 300 was challenging and informative - I've learnt more than I ever expected, and Astrid Garcia is a wonderful teacher. " - Rhonda Laking
"This class was everything I thought it would be and more... The instructor is extremely knowledgeable, intuitive, and helpful. I would highly recommend this class!" - Debra Harp
"Very helpful, especially for a novice designer with little confidence." - Megan Lilly
"This was my first experience of an online course of this type. I found the concepts covered helpful but by its nature (given that it only covered 6 weeks) a bit brief. The book was good and very necessary to make the course worthwhile. Astrid was very helpful in her appraisals of my work, and I feel that the experience I have gained has helped me become more professional when I start a new project. I am considering doing another course, so thanks to all concerned." - David Millard
"This course was very hard work, but very worth while, as it covered quite a lot of territory in 6 weeks. The instructor was excellent." - Patsy James