Basic Elements of Design: Design Principles and Software Overview

Colorado Boulder introduces graphic design as a way of organizing words and images for an audience. Elements and principles provide a language for discussing a layout, while the design process connects research with possible solutions. It is a foundations option before specializing in a particular application.

What you will learn

• Explain core visual design elements and principles.
• Evaluate how a composition communicates.
• Connect a design process with audience needs.

Who this suits

Beginners; the provider lists no previous experience requirement for this introduction.

Before you enroll

Check the software and resource requirements before enrolling; design applications are not necessarily included. Separate the communication problem from the visual treatment, and review readability and asset licenses before publishing your work. Leave time to revise projects after feedback.

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Put it into practice

Create a fictional information poster and explain how three design decisions support the audience’s most important question.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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