Information design courses can help you learn visual communication principles, data visualization techniques, user-centered design, and effective storytelling through graphics. You can build skills in layout design, typography, and creating infographics that convey complex information clearly. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Illustrator, Tableau, and Canva, that support crafting engaging presentations and reports that resonate with diverse audiences.
University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Mockups, Layout Design, Web Design, Responsive Web Design, Design, Wireframing, Usability, Interaction Design, Prototyping
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Design Research, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Statistical Analysis, Usability, Ideation, User Research, Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Experimentation, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Human Centered Design, Human Computer Interaction, A/B Testing, Human Factors, Collaborative Software, Telecommuting, R Programming, Storyboarding
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Adobe
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Acrobat, Document Management, Workflow Management, Collaborative Software, Process Design, Design Reviews, File Management, Presentations, Client Services, Graphic Design, Marketing Design, Digital Design, Version Control, Branding, Constructive Feedback
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Interactive Design, Canva (Software), Layout Design, Digital Design, Information Architecture, Browser Compatibility, Graphic and Visual Design, Typography, Design Strategies, Color Theory, Design Elements And Principles, Quality Assurance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Logo Design, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe InDesign, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Design, Layout Design, Design Research, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Adobe Illustrator
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, Wireframing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Persona (User Experience), Mockups, User Experience Design, Responsive Web Design, UI/UX Strategy, Web Design, Adobe XD, User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience, User Centered Design, Interaction Design, Prototyping, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Language, Design, Design Elements And Principles, User Research
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), UI Components, Typography, Prototyping, Responsive Web Design, Interaction Design, UI/UX Strategy, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Interface (UI), Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mockups, Layout Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Animations, Collaborative Software, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, AI Workflows, Design Strategies
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, Surveys, Qualitative Research, Usability Testing, User Experience Design, User Research, User Experience, User Story, Prototyping, Wireframing, User Centered Design, Survey Creation, Sampling (Statistics), Design Research, Interaction Design, Ideation, A/B Testing, Conceptual Design, Web Analytics, Usability
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, User Research, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Experience, Persona (User Experience), Wireframing, Design Research, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Interaction Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Human Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), Usability, User Interface (UI) Design, User Centered Design, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Program Evaluation, Course Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Multimedia, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Design, Learning Management Systems, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Needs Assessment, Content Creation, Motivational Skills, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Design Strategies, Creative Thinking
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development, Education and Training, Curriculum Development, Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: User Research, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), User Interface (UI), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Wireframing, Prototyping, Sprint Retrospectives, Sprint Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Information design is the practice of presenting information in a way that makes it easy to understand and use. It involves organizing, structuring, and visualizing data to enhance comprehension and facilitate decision-making. This field is crucial because it helps individuals and organizations communicate complex information clearly and effectively, ultimately leading to better outcomes. In a world overflowing with data, effective information design ensures that the right messages reach the right audiences, making it an essential skill in various industries.
Careers in information design can be diverse and rewarding. Some common job titles include Information Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Data Visualization Specialist, and Graphic Designer. These roles often involve creating visual representations of data, developing user-friendly interfaces, and ensuring that information is accessible and engaging. Additionally, professionals in this field may work in sectors such as healthcare, education, marketing, and technology, where clear communication of information is vital.
To excel in information design, you should develop a range of skills. Key competencies include graphic design principles, data visualization techniques, user experience design, and an understanding of information architecture. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, as well as tools for data analysis and visualization, is also beneficial. Moreover, strong communication skills and the ability to empathize with users are essential for creating effective designs that meet the needs of diverse audiences.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in information design. For instance, the Information Design course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, the Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations course focuses on applying design principles in the healthcare sector. These courses can help you build a solid understanding of information design and its applications.
Yes. You can start learning information design on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in information design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn information design, start by exploring online courses that cover the basics and advanced concepts. Engage with practical projects to apply what you've learned, and seek feedback from peers or mentors. Additionally, reading books and articles on design principles and trends can deepen your understanding. Joining online communities or forums can also provide support and resources as you progress in your learning journey.
Information design courses typically cover a variety of topics, including the principles of visual communication, data visualization techniques, user-centered design, and information architecture. You may also learn about tools and software used in the industry, as well as case studies that illustrate successful information design projects. These topics equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective and engaging designs.
For training and upskilling employees in information design, courses like the Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture can be particularly beneficial. These courses focus on practical skills and strategies that can be directly applied in the workplace, enhancing the ability of teams to communicate information effectively and improve overall productivity.