Week 1-2

Introduction to graphic design

• Design principles: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity
• Elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, space, and form

Assignments:

• Create a basic design poster using the principles of design.

Week 3–4

Objectives:
In Weeks 3–4 of the graphic design course, you will explore two of the most essential foundations of design: typography and color. Typography gives structure and personality to your work, while color brings emotion and meaning.

Together, they form the core of every strong visual design. By mastering these areas, you will be able to create designs that not only look attractive but also communicate effectively with an audience.

What You Will Learn:

• Understand the fundamentals of typography, its history, and its role in shaping modern design.

• Learn about typefaces, font families, and how to use type hierarchy to guide a viewer’s attention.

• Explore color theory, including the color wheel, harmony, and the psychological effects of colors.

• Gain the ability to combine type and color effectively for balance, readability, and impact.

Topics Covered:

1. Typography: Learn how different fonts convey mood and meaning, the importance of legibility, and how typographic hierarchy can create visual flow in your designs.

2. Color Theory: Discover the science and art behind colors, from complementary and analogous schemes to the psychology of color in branding and advertising.

Assignments & Practical Work:
During this module of the graphic design course, you’ll apply your skills through hands-on projects:

• Typographic Poster Design: Create a poster that emphasizes the use of typography to communicate a message clearly and creatively.

• Color Theory in Practice: Use color harmony and contrast principles to enhance your design, ensuring that your color choices align with the intended emotional impact.

• Combine both typography and color to build a design that demonstrates balance, readability, and strong visual communication.

Outcome:
By the end of Week 4, you will have built a solid foundation in typography and color theory — two skills that every designer must master.

These assignments will prepare you to approach future projects in the graphic design course with confidence, ensuring your work stands out both visually and conceptually.

Week 5-6

Objectives:

• Develop skills in creating digital illustrations.
• Learn advanced photo editing techniques.

Topics:

• Digital illustration techniques
• Photo editing: retouching, compositing, and color correction

Assignments:

• Create a digital illustration and edit a photo series.

Week 7-8

Objectives:

• Master the principles of layout and composition for print and digital media.
• Create effective and aesthetically pleasing layouts.

Topics:

• Grid systems and alignment
• Layout design for print and digital media

Assignments:

• Design a magazine spread and a website homepage layout.

Week 9-10

Objectives:

• Understand the components of brand identity.
• Develop skills in logo design and visual branding.

Topics:

• Branding: logo design, brand guidelines, and visual identity
• Creating cohesive brand systems

Assignments:

• Design a logo and develop a brand identity package.

Week 11-12

Objectives:
In the final stage of the graphic design course, you will dive into the exciting world of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.

This part of the program focuses on building digital designs that are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly. By the end of this module, you will understand how to create designs that meet the needs of real users while maintaining a professional and creative style.

What You Will Learn:

• Learn the fundamentals of UI/UX principles and how they influence the way people interact with digital products.

• Explore the concepts of responsive design and why adopting a mobile-first approach is essential in today’s design industry.

• Understand the difference between designing for desktop web applications and mobile platforms, and how to adapt your creativity for both.

• Develop a workflow that takes a project from wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes.

Topics Covered:

1. UI/UX Principles – Learn about usability, navigation flow, typography, and color psychology in design. Discover how these elements work together to enhance the user’s journey.

2. Responsive Design and Mobile-First Approach – Explore strategies for creating layouts that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, ensuring accessibility and consistency across devices.

Assignments & Practical Work:
As part of this stage in the graphic design course, you will apply your knowledge in real-world projects:

• Web Design Prototype: Create a desktop web application design that demonstrates strong UI/UX practices. Focus on visual hierarchy, intuitive navigation, and professional aesthetics.

• Mobile App Prototype: Design a mobile app interface that prioritizes a mobile-first approach. Your prototype should be user-friendly, visually cohesive, and optimized for touch-based interaction.

• Present your work for peer and instructor feedback, simulating the experience of working with clients and design teams in professional settings.

Outcome:
By completing Weeks 11–12, you will have practical prototypes that showcase your ability to design for both web and mobile platforms. This adds a valuable skill set to your portfolio, making you more competitive in the job market. The focus on UI/UX ensures that you graduate from this graphic design course with the knowledge needed to work confidently as a modern digital designer.

Week 13-14

Objectives:

• Compile a professional portfolio showcasing your best work.
• Prepare for job interviews and client presentations.

Topics:

• Selecting and refining portfolio pieces
• Presenting your work effectively

Assignments:

• Assemble a digital and print portfolio.
• Conduct a mock interview and portfolio presentation.

Week 15-16

Objectives:

• Apply all the skills learned throughout the graphic design course in a comprehensive final project.

Topics:

• Integration of design principles, typography, color theory, illustration, and layout.

Assignments:

• Complete a real-world design project from concept to final presentation.
• Evaluation and Grading:
• Weekly assignments: 40%
• Midterm project: 20%
• Final project: 30%
• Participation and attendance: 10%