Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs I

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uva-coding-for-design-managers-1

Introduction

### Course Review: Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs I #### Overview If you're a designer, manager, or entrepreneur who has ever felt out of the loop when discussing web projects with developers, "Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs I" on Coursera is the course you've been waiting for. This first offering in the specialized program aims to bridge the gap between design and code, giving hands-on collaborators like you the tools to transform ideas into functional web pages. With a focus on HTML and CSS – the fundamental tools of web development – this course empowers you to build creative confidence and competence, making you an invaluable asset in any project. #### Course Structure The course is structured in five engaging weeks, each tackling essential skills that culminate in a working prototype. Below is a brief overview of each week's content: 1. **Prototyping with HTML** In this introduction, you'll transform wireframes into working HTML, setting the stage for web development. You'll learn about small, incremental development practices that improve user experience (UX) beyond aesthetics. 2. **Making HTML Manageable with CSS** This lesson delves into CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which is crucial for styling HTML. You'll understand how to maximize the manageability of your code while minimizing duplication. Whether you’re catching up or racing ahead, this week will reinforce your skills. 3. **Debugging HTML & CSS** Here, you will confront the reality of coding: debugging. This week demystifies the troubleshooting process, instilling patience and analytical skills that are vital for effective coding. Embracing these challenges will build your confidence and preparedness for any coding task. 4. **Preparing Your Design for Development** This week is all about application. After coding with HTML and CSS in the previous weeks, you will prepare your own design for peer review. You’ll gain insights into how clarity in design translates to effective coding. 5. **Your Working Prototype** By the end of the course, you will have created your own working prototype, validating your newfound skills. While you're undoubtedly a beginner, this experience will ignite your curiosity and diligence, showing you that all professional coders start somewhere. #### Review and Recommendations The "Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs I" course is a breath of fresh air for non-developers looking to gain insights into the coding process while enhancing their collaboration with technical teams. The content is meticulously designed to cater not only to total beginners but also to those who might have prior experience but lack the hands-on coding practice. The balance between theoretical understanding and practical application is commendable, which helps in solidifying concepts. The peer-reviewed assignment offers a unique opportunity for learners to engage with their peers, receive constructive feedback, and refine their skills in a supportive environment. I highly recommend this course if you are looking to not just understand the language of web development but to actively participate in it. Whether you’re a designer looking to better communicate your vision, a manager aiming to lead your team effectively, or an entrepreneur wanting to bring your product to life, this course will equip you with the foundational skills in HTML and CSS needed to carry your ideas from concept to reality. Ultimately, this course is not just about learning to code; it's about developing a mindset that values collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. Enroll today, and take your first step into the world of web development!

Syllabus

Prototyping with HTML

This week, we’ll warm up your inner coder with some work in how to render a wireframe into working HTML- the core building block of how web pages (and most digital assets) look the way they do. We’ll also step back and consider the importance of working in small, incremental pages for creating great user experiences (UX).

This week, we’re going to take a look at an item that’s tightly tied to HTML: CSS, ‘cascading style sheets’. This are a way of controlling how HTML looks and functions and it’s designed to maximize readability/manageability of your HTML and minimize duplication. If you’re still a little uncertain about Week 1, I think you’ll find this week a good time to catch up. If you found Week 1 quick and easy, feel free to get ahead on the course after you finish Week 2.

This week might sound a little dull or like something you do when you code ‘wrong’. But please believe me- to code is to debug. More importantly, if you get comfortable with analytical debugging (and that’s our goal), you’ll be able to approach any coding task with calm and confidence.

You’ve learned and applied HTML and CSS to the designs from HVAC in a Hurry. This week, you’ll prepare your design for next week’s peer-reviewed assignment where you’ll code your design. I think you’ll find that nothing creates focus on what to code and how like a nice, clear design. (And the reverse is also true.)

Well, now you’re a coder. Yes, really! You’re a beginner, sure, but that’s where everyone starts. I hope what you’re finding is that while coding is work, curiosity, focus, and diligence can take you a long way. This week, you’ll go from idea to code, working from the design brief from HVAC in a Hurry.