Print and Digital Elements of Design: Branding and User Experience

University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/designing-print-digital-media

Introduction

## Course Review: Print and Digital Elements of Design: Branding and User Experience In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, understanding how to design effectively for both print and digital mediums is crucial for any aspiring graphic designer. The Coursera course “Print and Digital Elements of Design: Branding and User Experience” offers an insightful exploration of this very topic, equipping learners with the fundamental skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern graphic design. ### Course Overview The course focuses on the critical aspects of working with design professionals to create effective graphic design projects, whether they be print materials like logos, brochures, or larger campaigns, or digital surfaces such as websites and social media. It emphasizes the importance of user experience—the key to ensuring that design not only looks good but also serves its intended purpose and engages its audience thoughtfully. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **More on Textual Elements, Color, and Fixing Design Issues** - This first module dives deep into the essentials of typography and color theory. It addresses common design challenges and provides practical tips for troubleshooting when things don’t go as planned. The importance of crafting a consistent visual language cannot be overstated, and this module serves as the foundation for achieving just that. 2. **Printing Elements of Graphic Design** - Here, you will learn about the specifics of print design, including terminology and various paper options that can affect the final product. The module also covers unique features found in computer design software that are vital for print production, ensuring that you not only understand the design process theoretically but can also apply it in real-world scenarios. 3. **Online Elements of Graphic Design** - The digital space presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. This module provides essential insights into online design, focusing on optimizing images for diverse web platforms and understanding the nuances of designing for screens. The knowledge gained from this section is particularly advantageous for those looking to transition their skills into the expansive world of digital media. ### Course Format The course is structured with a mix of video lectures, hands-on assignments, and community discussions. This format encourages students to engage with the material actively and collaborate with peers, enhancing the learning experience. Additionally, the flexibility of the course allows learners to progress at their own pace, making it ideal for both busy professionals and dedicated students. ### Key Takeaways - **Comprehensive Knowledge**: You will gain a thorough understanding of both print and digital design elements, which is essential in today’s multi-channel marketing environment. - **Real-World Application**: The course prepares you to tackle real design issues and develop solutions that work across various mediums. - **User-Centric Approach**: Focusing on user experience throughout the course ensures that you will never lose sight of the audience's needs and perspectives when creating designs. ### Recommendation I highly recommend “Print and Digital Elements of Design: Branding and User Experience” for anyone looking to enhance their skills in graphic design. Whether you are a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or a professional wishing to fine-tune your expertise, this course has something valuable to offer. The blend of theoretical principles and practical applications ensures that you’ll leave with a robust toolkit, ready to tackle any design project that crosses your path. Enroll today, and take the next step in your graphic design journey!

Syllabus

More on Textual Elements, Color and Fixing Design Issues

This module will build on textual and color elements, as well as tips on fixing design issues.

Printing Elements of Graphic Design

This module will cover printing terms and paper options, as well as print-specific features in computer design programs.

Online Elements of Graphic Design

This module will look at online elements of graphic design such as designing for online mediums and converting image sizes for use on websites.

Overview

Graphic design projects can be delivered in either a printed format or a digital format, or both. This course will look at how to work with creative professionals to get the ideal usage out of a design to use in print medium such as logos, brochures and larger printed projects that will also carry over as seamlessly as possible into the digital realm of websites and social media. We will also cover the user experience and how to keep the end result in mind when working on creative endeavors.

Skills

Reviews

I really enjoyed the discussions and the activities. I learned a lot, and I hope I can take another course next time.

very helpful for learning basic design principles, but not so much on branding

I enjoyed taking the course and I really learned a lot. Thanks!

The term "sales piece" is never defined throughout the entire course and then the 45% weight final project asks for them. That's backwards.

Good, but really interactive. It is good for beginner like me. Starting from basics will have a great help in the future.