Foundations of Graphic Design

This unit introduces the design process, core visual principles, and pre-design practices that form the foundation of successful graphic communication. Students will learn empathy-driven research, hand and digital sketching, brand messaging, layout systems, collaboration strategies, and tool evaluation to prepare for production-focused units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze target audiences and stakeholder needs using empathy techniques and pre-design steps to create focused project briefs and goals
• Apply core principles of design (balance, unity, movement, hierarchy, alignment, space) and appropriate grid systems to develop hand-drawn and digital layout sketches that convey brand personality, purpose, tone, and message
• Demonstrate the iterative design process by producing a project brief, multiple concept sketches, and documented decisions that prioritize quality over quantity and incorporate a macro-view for tailoring solutions
• Evaluate analog and digital drawing tools, automated workflows, and collaboration methods to select suitable technologies and specialization pathways for subsequent units