4.6
stars
684 ratings

Yasmin Khan Gibson +1 more instructor

81,023 already enrolled

Offered By

The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

California Institute of the Arts

About this Course

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In this course, critique is defined as a detailed, objective analysis of a work of graphic design and its effectiveness. Critique is an integral part of the making process for designers: it’s not just how we determine if a work of design is or is not successful, it’s how we move our work forward. Critique is also where other voices and opinions can be brought into the design process. 
This course will introduce a lexicon (or vocabulary) in order for you to demonstrate clearer and more considered ways of talking about graphic design in the context of critique. Through this lexicon and a provided Critique Framework, we will model and then practice objectively describing how well a work of design functions based on specific, clearly articulated criteria. By refining this skill, you will enhance your ability to communicate about design with peers, colleagues, and clients. 

This course is essential to anyone looking to develop and refine a critical vocabulary around talking about art and design, such as:
 - practicing graphic designers at all levels
 - future and current students of art or design programs
 - teachers teaching visual art, design, or related subjects
 - any stakeholder in a design project that needs to communicate effectively with designers on their team.  

This course is recommended to learners enrolled in either the Graphic Design Specialization or UI/UX Design Specialization on Coursera to further develop their skills in graphic design. You may take this course before, during, or after completing either Specialization. 

Note this is not an art appreciation course for a general audience. While no prior experience is required to begin, the knowledge and skills taught in this course is useful only if you have some relationship to design in a professional context, i.e., practicing, studying, or teaching design, or working directly with designers.

No specific software or tools are required to complete this course.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Recall and explain a lexicon of key terms relating to form, meaning, and audience, and apply them successfully within an appraisal of graphic design
Establish and articulate criteria for successful outcomes in a design project that are not limited by personal taste.
Employ various ways of talking about visual form, meaning, and context for a given work of design in an objective way.
Develop an ability to engage with a work of design in an objective way.

Skills you will gain

Visual Communication
Graphic Design

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.69/5 (189 Ratings)

Yasmin Khan Gibson

Program Director, Graphic Design

School of Art

81,023 Learners

1 Course

Randy Nakamura

Adjunct Professor, MFA Design, California College of the Arts

81,023 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

California Institute of the Arts

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating98%(5,118 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Week 1: Course Orientation and Overview

1 hour to complete

7 videos (Total 18 min), 8 readings

7 videos

Course Introduction3mDefining Critique2mUsing the Lexicon and the Critique Framework2mWho this course is for1mWhy Peer Review? 1mPeer Review Tips4mHow to apply feedback 2m

8 readings

About the Critique Framework2mHow to Pass This Course5mAcademic Integrity2mAbout CalArts and the Program in Graphic Design2mWhat is peer review?5mInstructor Presence and Staff Support 1mForum Guidelines2mRequesting Peer Reviews2m

2 hours to complete

Week 1: Audience/Context/Culture

This module provides an introduction to the larger ideas and cultural discussions that graphic design work inhabits, and some terms and ideas used within graphic design. We won't be covering a comprehensive dictionary of graphic design terms, but rather introducing a functional language used in the discussion of graphic design in a critique context. We will also discuss and analyze specific works of design and how they relate to the larger cultural context in which design operates, and why this is important. We will also learn about critique culture, and the importance of analyzing work based on subjective criteria rather than personal taste or subjective opinions.

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 29 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Week 2: Basics of Form

In this module we will introduce key concepts and terms used in the critique of visual form in design work. We will cover basic terms used in the discussion of visual contrast, composition, and hierarchy. We will also discuss how to establish a vocabulary for the evaluation of visual form, and use that vocabulary in conjunction with the designer’s intention and the function of the work to build a framework to structure critique.

2 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 72 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

11 videos

Introduction to Week 21mIntroduction: Basics of Visual Form3mVisual Contrast: Scale, Shape, Color, and Value5mVisual Contrast: Line, Texture, Direction, and Movement6mContrast and Visual Hierarchy13mLegibility and Readability4mSharpening and Leveling14mComposition: Figure/Ground (from Introduction to Imagemaking)2mCase Study/Demonstration Critique 1: April Greiman poster8mCase Study/Demonstration Critique 2: Raymond Scott Poster6mCase Study/Demonstration Critique 3: Superbad poster6m

2 readings

Lexicon and Bibliography: Basics of Form2mCase Study/Demonstration Critiques: Introduction2m

1 practice exercise

Basics of Form15m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Week 3: Meaning and Concept

In this module we will focus on ways to describe and evaluate meaning in works of visual design. Using connotation and denotation as a foundation, the lessons in this module explain a range of approaches for creating meaning, from visual metaphor to cliche and parody. By building cultural literacy and developing research skills, we will practice identifying themes in design work and interpreting design concepts.

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 28 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Week 4: Synthesis: Critique and Effective Design

In this final module, you will synthesize all of the skills you have acquired in the previous modules into a structured critique of graphic design work. As you will see, this module is weighted much more heavily toward assessment and practice than previous modules. Assessing the success of a finished piece of design is difficult because there are so many variables to consider at the same time. You have learned the basic lexicon and syntax for talking about design. Now is the time to put all of these skills together to talk about a piece of design in a holistic and effective way.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 25 min)

Reviews

4.6

196 reviews

5 stars
74.56%
4 stars
18.85%
3 stars
3.07%
2 stars
1.31%
1 star
2.19%

TOP REVIEWS FROM THE LANGUAGE OF DESIGN: FORM AND MEANING

by MMJun 30, 2020

It is a good course to build your critiquing skills and be properly able to understand the intention behind certain design decisions, if a bit simplistic.

by PKFeb 9, 2021

The course is great to refresh the knowledge about the meaning of graphic design and how to article your work in a more professional manner.

by ZZFeb 7, 2022

This course has helped me refreshed concepts of design as well as learning ways to see and speak about a design. I highly recommend it .

by IIApr 26, 2020

I learnt a lot about form in design and the terminology about visual hierarchy, shape and contrast etc. The course was very helpful.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
What do I need to complete this course?
Besides a computer or mobile device and access to the internet, no specific software or tools are required to complete this course.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

About this Course

What you will learn

Skills you will gain