About this Course
In today’s crowded online marketplace, capturing a customer’s attention has never been more important — or challenging. One effective way to get noticed is with eye-catching digital design. Compelling visual design can help your business or organization stand out, engage your users and communicate more effectively.
In this course, you’ll gain the foundational visual design skills you need to create design assets for a variety of digital marketing platforms. We’ll explore color theory and how to use color to evoke emotion and influence behavior. You’ll dive into typefaces, content hierarchy and composition. You’ll learn the ins and outs of designing for web and social media channels to maximize engagement, applying techniques such as design for imagery and iconography, animation and interactive elements, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Throughout the course, we’ll discuss the importance of brand consistency on user engagement, designing for accessibility and how AI is reshaping the field.
▸Related Article: How to Become a User Experience Designer
Designed For
Anyone looking to gain digital media design skills.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
This is an introductory course and no previous experience is required. Anyone is encouraged to enroll.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about four to seven hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
- High-speed internet connection
- Adobe Express (free)
- Headset and webcam (recommended)
Completing the Course
To successfully complete this course, you must fulfill the requirements outlined by your instructor.
▸ Explore More: Want to go deeper on visual design? Check out our Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design.
What You'll Learn
- How to edit images and use animation techniques to create interactive digital materials using Adobe Express
- How to apply the theories, principles and elements of graphic design to meet accessibility standards and generate engaging visual experiences across the web and in apps
- How to create high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes using Adobe Express
- How to use guidelines, components and design systems like Material, Fluent and HIG to aid in the design process across various platforms
- How to professionally present visual designs for marketing and communications projects
Get Hands-On Experience
You'll produce several original digital design pieces that feature graphic and animation elements that you can add to your portfolio to showcase your visual design skills.
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.