Design Research and Principles

This unit builds on foundational skills by focusing on research-driven planning, core visual design principles, and professional preparation for a graphic design portfolio. Students will practice applying contrast, repetition, emphasis, rhythm, color psychology, layout, and legibility while evaluating tools, workflows, and training options to improve efficiency and readiness for production and client work.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze audience research, project briefs, and competitive examples to create informed phase-2 plans that guide ideation and portfolio decisions
• Apply core design principles (contrast, repetition, emphasis, rhythm) and page layout techniques to produce cohesive, legible compositions
• Demonstrate color selection and application by evaluating color psychology, choosing primary palettes, and balancing timeless and on-trend decisions for design goals
• Evaluate personal workflow, Adobe Creative Cloud tool use, training opportunities, and portfolio content to develop an action plan that increases efficiency and showcases a broad range of skills