Web Design Training by eClasses.Org

Design Concepts

Design Concepts Course
Design Concepts Web Design Courses Web Certification   

 

 

Class Name

Design Concepts

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 andvisually illustrated 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 artistic emphasis will be given to the application of these principles and elements along with color and typography specifically tailored 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: An introduction to design, the language ofdesign and the first set of elements and principles ofdesign
  • Overview: A Brief Introduction to Design and Design history.
  • The language of design: An overall vocabulary and terminology list used in design and related fields.
  • Understanding, exploring and implementing the first set of elements of design: form/shape, line, andmass/size.
  • Exploring, understanding and implementing the first set of principles of design: movement, gradation, emphasis, repetition, rhythm, contrast, and proximity.
Week 2: The Role of a Designer and the Second Set of Elements and Principles of Design
  • Discussion: The role of a designer in the construction of functional web site.
  • A brief synopsis of the differences and similarities between print design and graphic/web design.
  • Discussions: How design can be informational as in graphics, multi-media and user navigation.
  • Understanding and implementing the second set of elements of design: space and value.
  • Exploring and implementing the second set of principles of design: harmony, unity/variety, balance, proportion, dominance, economy, alignment.
Week 3: Exploring Light, Rules of Composition and Using Pattern and Texture.
  • Discussion: Texture and pattern and how it can be used to create mood, contrast and motion for graphics and websites.
  • Discovering the classical rules of composition: Leading the viewer’s eye, formal composition systems such as the use of a grid in design, the use of a web browser enhanced grid for design, root rectangle construction, proportions and the Golden Mean and the Rules of Third.
  • Understanding and implementing the values of light (in conjunction with gradation, contrast and rhythm) in design.
Week 4: Creating and Enhancing Effective Designs with Color and Type
  • Introducing color in your projects.
  • Understanding the dynamics of color and working with color creatively using the CMYK and RGB color models.
  • Typography Basics – Understanding how typography and type layout can influence design and composition.
Week 5: Solidifying a Design Concept, Generating Ideas, Design Tips and Thinking outside the Box
  • Brainstorming techniques such as graphic organizers, sticky notes, traditional pencil and paper technique, electronic brainstorming, and commercial software programs that facilitate brainstorming.
  • Exploring and enhancing avenues of creativity.
  • Discussions: Design is a process that has a clear beginning and end and as such can be approached in a structured manner.
  • Design tips for designs and graphics that are destined for the web.
  • Discussion and analysis: Learning how to break the rules of design. Showcase of experimental web and graphic design and a discussion of the success (or lack thereof) of these sites.
  • How to focus and streamline the design process.
Week 6: Finalizing the Concept
  • Putting the 5 weeks of work together by revising, polishing and presenting a final project, which would consist of a design comp that utilizes the principles and elements of design, along with a cohesive color palette, typography, strong composition and creativity.
Prerequisites
Introduction to HTML H101 or equivalent experience with HTML.
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, artworks throughout history, and naturally occurring examples of design in nature that make use of the basic principles and elements of design. Examples of experimental web site design and more conservative web site designs will be studied as well.
  • Software: Students will need access to a graphics program that can handle layers such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or Fireworks. 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.
  • 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 or www.brinkster.com.
Class Books

Required Book: Exploring the Elements of Design [
]
Course Price
  • Price: $80.00 US
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Additional Information:
This online course is limited to 100 participants. 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: All Online Class fees are only refundable or creditable during the first week of class. A processing fee of five dollars ($5.00) will be charged for each refund request. If you have any questions please contact us

Additional Cost: Book and software migh be required for the course. Read the Requirements and Book section for more information. Course fee does not include the book and software cost .

Start Date: Click on the Register Now button to process to the registration page. You will see the start date of the class on that page. To get the start date of other courses, click on Open Class List link on the top navigation bar.

How eClasses Work:The classroom environment is based on Lundeen & Associates Web Crossing technology, a threaded messaging system. Instructors post lectures, 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. Web Study certificate is also available. Click on the Certificates link on the top navigation bar for more information.

 

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

Instructor: Astrid Garcia
Astrid GarciaAstrid Garcia holds a BFA in Photography and Digital Imaging and is a Poynter Institute Fellowship graduate. She is a web designer/programmer at vsm.net and a photojournalist for Tony Duca Studios. Her personal work includes fine art, travel, and digital photography, which have 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 here 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.

Exploring the Elements of Design book
4 Web Study Certificates
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