May 25, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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UXD 1020 - Visual Design

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Visual Design is a foundational UX course focused on how visual choices shape usability, clarity, accessibility, and emotional impact across print and digital experiences. Students learn to apply typography, color, imagery, and composition using an iterative process from sketching and concept development to production-ready assets. Through lectures, workshops, critiques, and team projects, students design branding and campaign materials such as logos, icons, and marketing deliverables while making decisions grounded in audience, purpose, and context. The course also introduces responsible use of AI design tools alongside industry-standard software, preparing students to communicate design intent and produce publishable work.
Prereq: None
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 

  • Employ principles of effective design by use of typography, the interaction of type and imagery together   
  • Create effective marketing materials, logos, and icons  
  • Practice leading design sessions and provide constructive feedback 
  • Create high-quality design artifacts using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Canva.
  • Apply AI design tools responsibly within visual design workflows
Prerequisites by Topic
 

  • None
Course Topics
 

  • Sketching and iterative visual design process 
  •  Audience, purpose, and context in visual communication 
  •  Principles of design and emotional design 
  •  Typography and type 
  •  Color aesthetics and color theory 
  •  Composition, layout, and visual hierarchy 
  •  Designing for print and digital deliverables 
  •  Branding systems: logos, icons, and style guides 
  •  Production fundamentals 
  •  Design sessions and giving constructive feedback 
  •  Designing with AI: responsible use of AI design tools in visual workflows 
  • Tool proficiency: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat; Canva Suite 
Coordinator
Amii LaPointe


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