The Language of Design: Form and Meaning
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.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 8 hours
- Course by California Institute of the Arts
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Offered by
About
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.Modules
Course Overview
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4
Videos
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4
Readings
4
Videos
- Course Introduction
- Defining Critique
- Using the Lexicon and the Critique Framework
- Who this course is for
4
Readings
- About the Critique Framework
- How to Pass This Course
- Academic Integrity
- About CalArts and the Program in Graphic Design
How Peer Review Works
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3
Videos
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1
Readings
3
Videos
- Why Peer Review?
- Peer Review Tips
- How to apply feedback
1
Readings
- What is peer review?
Course Communication Policies
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3
Readings
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Introduce Yourself
3
Readings
- Instructor Presence and Staff Support
- Forum Guidelines
- Requesting Peer Reviews
Weekly Overview
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Introduction: Audience/Context/Culture
1
Readings
- Lexicon and Bibliography: Audience/Context/Culture
Audience, Visual Language, and Agenda
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4
Videos
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Audiences as User-Creators
4
Videos
- Thinking Through Making Form
- Audience
- Visual Language & Cultural Hierarchy
- Agenda and function
Assessment
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1
Readings
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1
PeerReview
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Audience / Context / Culture
1
Peer Review
- Audience/Context/Culture
1
Readings
- Instructor Critique: Audience/Culture/Context
Weekly Overview
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Introduction to Week 2
1
Readings
- Lexicon and Bibliography: Basics of Form
Visual Form Lexicon
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Introduction: Basics of Visual Form
- Visual Contrast: Scale, Shape, Color, and Value
- Visual Contrast: Line, Texture, Direction, and Movement
Visual Hierarchy
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Contrast and Visual Hierarchy
- Legibility and Readability
Composition
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Sharpening and Leveling
- Composition: Figure/Ground (from Introduction to Imagemaking)
Lexicon in Use
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3
Videos
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1
Readings
3
Videos
- Case Study/Demonstration Critique 1: April Greiman poster
- Case Study/Demonstration Critique 2: Raymond Scott Poster
- Case Study/Demonstration Critique 3: Superbad poster
1
Readings
- Case Study/Demonstration Critiques: Introduction
Assessment
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Basics of Form
Weekly Overview
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Introduction to Week 3
1
Readings
- Lexicon and Bibliography: Meaning and Concept
Meaning/Concept Lexicon
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Denotation and Connotation
- Visual Icons, Similes, Symbolism, Metaphors, and Themes
- Cliche, Pastiche, Appropriation, Parody, and Satire
- Narrative / Sequence / Storytelling
Assessment
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1
Readings
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1
PeerReview
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Meaning and Concept
1
Peer Review
- Peer Review: Narrative / Sequence (Optional)
1
Readings
- Instructor Critique: Narrative/Sequence
Weekly Overview
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Introduction to Week 4
Defining Contemporary Design
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Agenda and Authorship
- Why does design look contemporary?
Synthesizing the Lexicon
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Synthesizing the Lexicon, Part 1
- Synthesizing the Lexicon, Part 2
- Synthesizing the Lexicon, Part 3
- Synthesizing the Lexicon, Part 4
Assessment
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1
PeerReview
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Synthesis
1
Peer Review
- Burger King Re-Branding
Auto Summary
"The Language of Design: Form and Meaning" is a Coursera course in the Arts & Humanities domain, designed by expert instructors to refine your critique skills in graphic design. This foundational course introduces a specialized vocabulary and Critique Framework to assess design work effectively. Ideal for practicing designers, art students, educators, and project stakeholders, it enhances communication within design processes. Spanning 480 minutes, the course is part of the Graphic Design and UI/UX Design Specializations. Available with Starter or Professional subscriptions, it requires no prior experience or specific tools.
Randy Nakamura
Yasmin Khan Gibson