Year 1, Semester 1: Introduction to Design Principles

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Design Basics

• Topics: Study the elements of design (line, shape, color, texture, space, form, value).
Learn design principles (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity).
• Assignments: Create simple sketches illustrating each design element and principle.
• Required Materials:
◦ Sketchbook and drawing materials (pencils, pens)
◦ Computer (preferably with a good display and color accuracy)
• Reading: “Graphic Design: The New Basics” by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips
Weeks 3-4: Software Basics (Af nity Photo & Af nity Designer)

• Topics:
◦ Introduction to Af nity Photo - workspace, basic tools (selection, brush, text).
◦ Introduction to Af nity Designer - workspace, basic tools (pen, shape, path nder).
• Assignments: Practice creating a basic poster design in Af nity Photo and a simple logo
in Af nity Designer.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Photo and Af nity Designer
◦ External hard drive or cloud storage for backups
• Reading: “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton
Weeks 5-6: Typography Basics

• Topics: Study the anatomy of type, type classi cations, and the history of typography.
Learn type hierarchy, alignment, and spacing.
• Assignments: Create a poster emphasizing type hierarchy using different fonts and
alignment.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Photo and Af nity Designer
◦ Typeface library or subscription (e.g., Google Fonts)
• Reading: “A Smile in the Mind” by Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart
Weeks 7-8: Applied Design Projects

• Topics: Create a basic poster using principles of design and typography. Design a simple
logo in Af nity Designer.
• Assignments: Submit completed poster and logo designs.
• Required Materials:
◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
◦ Digital drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom Intuos or similar)
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your projects based on feedback or
self-critique.
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 • Assignments: Submit revisions of your earlier projects.
Weeks 10-11: Introduction to Color Theory

• Topics: Study the color wheel, color schemes, and color psychology. Apply color theory
to create a color palette and design a project using it.
• Assignments: Design a color palette and apply it to a poster or logo project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Color calibration tools for monitor (e.g., X-Rite i1 Display Pro)
• Reading: “The Elements of Graphic Design” by Alex W. White
Weeks 12-13: Advanced Typography & Layout

• Topics: Explore font pairing and creating visual hierarchy with text. Study basic layout
principles and grid systems.
• Assignments: Create a multi-page document incorporating advanced typography and
layout.
• Required Materials:
◦ High-quality printer for proo ng and presentation
• Reading: “Type Matters!” by Jim Williams
Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and start working on a nal project (e.g., a brand logo and poster design).
Complete and present the nal project.
• Assignments: Submit nal project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Photo
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)

Year 1, Semester 2: Building Technical Skills

Weeks 1-2: Advanced Color Theory

• Topics: Deep dive into color harmonies, contrast, and color in branding. Create a color
scheme for a mock brand or project.
• Assignments: Design branding materials using your custom color scheme.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
Weeks 3-4: Advanced Software Techniques (Af nity Photo & Af nity
Designer)

• Topics: Learn advanced Af nity Photo techniques (layer masks, blending modes, photo
manipulation). Learn advanced Af nity Designer techniques (gradient mesh, pattern
creation, complex shapes).
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 • Assignments: Create a detailed photo manipulation project and a complex vector
illustration.
• Required Materials:
◦ Digital drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom Intuos or similar)
• Reading: “How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things...” by Michael Bierut
Weeks 5-6: Introduction to Af nity Publisher

• Topics: Introduction to Af nity Publisher - workspace, basic tools (frames, text wrap).
Create a basic layout (e.g., a magazine cover or brochure).
• Assignments: Design and print a magazine cover or brochure using Af nity Publisher.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Publisher
◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
• Reading: “The Art of Innovation” by Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman
Weeks 7-8: Layout and Composition

• Topics: Study alignment, hierarchy, and white space in layout design. Create a multi-page
document in Af nity Publisher.
• Assignments: Submit your multi-page document.
• Required Materials:
◦ Digital drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom Intuos or similar)
• Reading: “Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Josef Müller-Brockmann
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your projects based on feedback or
self-critique.
• Assignments: Submit revisions of your earlier projects.
Weeks 10-11: Branding Basics

• Topics: Learn about brand identity and the basics of logo design. Create a logo and
business card for a ctional brand.
• Assignments: Design and submit a logo and business card for a ctional brand.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
• Reading: “Logo Design Love” by David Airey
Weeks 12-13: Advanced Typography & Layout

• Topics: Explore grid systems in layout design. Create a brochure or yer using advanced
layout and typography techniques.
• Assignments: Submit your brochure or yer design.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Publisher
• Reading: “Type on Screen” by Ellen Lupton
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 Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and start working on a nal project (e.g., a full branding package). Complete
and present the nal project.
• Assignments: Submit nal project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Publisher
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)

Year 2, Semester 3: Digital Illustration & Vector Art

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Digital Illustration

• Topics: Study the basics of digital illustration techniques and styles. Practice creating
basic shapes and simple illustrations in Af nity Designer.
• Assignments: Submit simple illustrations in Af nity Designer.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Digital drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom Intuos or similar)
Weeks 3-4: Vector Art Techniques

• Topics: Learn about vector paths, strokes, and lls. Create a basic vector illustration.
Study complex shapes and the pen tool. Create a more detailed vector illustration.
• Assignments: Submit vector illustrations demonstrating complex shapes and pen tool
mastery.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
• Reading: “Designing Brand Identity” by Alina Wheeler
Weeks 5-6: Typography in Depth

• Topics: Study custom typography and letterform design. Create your custom typeface or
lettering design.
• Assignments: Submit a custom typeface or lettering design.
• Required Materials:
◦ Typeface library or subscription (e.g., Google Fonts)
◦ Af nity Designer
• Reading: “Identity Designed” by David Airey
Weeks 7-8: Applied Illustration Projects

• Topics: Create a series of vector icons or illustrations based on a theme. Re ne and

expand on your illustrations, incorporating typography if relevant.
• Assignments: Submit completed illustration series.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
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 ◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your projects based on feedback or
self-critique.
• Assignments: Submit revisions of your earlier projects.
Weeks 10-11: Advanced Vector Techniques

• Topics: Study advanced vector art techniques, such as gradient mesh and complex
patterns. Create a detailed vector illustration or infographic.
• Assignments: Submit your detailed vector illustration or infographic.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
• Reading: “Type on Screen” by Ellen Lupton
Weeks 12-13: Introduction to Branding with Illustration

• Topics: Learn how to incorporate illustration into brand identity. Design a logo or brand
elements that use custom illustrations.
• Assignments: Submit a branding project that incorporates custom illustrations.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Printer and high-quality paper for print projects
• Reading: “Logo Modernism” by Jens Müller
Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and start working on a nal project (e.g., a complete brand identity package
incorporating vector art). Complete and present the nal project.
• Assignments: Submit nal project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)

Year 2, Semester 4: Web & UI/UX Design (continued)

Weeks 3-4: Introduction to UI/UX Design

• Topics: Explore the fundamentals of UI/UX design, focusing on user ow, interaction
design, and usability. Create wireframes and mockups for a web or mobile app.
• Assignments: Develop wireframes and high- delity mockups for a mobile app in
Af nity Designer.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Sketching tools (for rough drafts of wireframes)
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 • Reading: “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug
Weeks 5-6: Responsive Web Design

• Topics: Study responsive web design principles, including uid grids, exible images,
and media queries. Learn how to design for various screen sizes and devices.
• Assignments: Design a responsive website layout in Af nity Designer.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Browser-based tools for responsive testing (e.g., Chrome DevTools)
• Reading: “Responsive Web Design” by Ethan Marcotte
Weeks 7-8: Interactive Prototypes

• Topics: Learn about creating interactive prototypes using Af nity Designer and exporting
for prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, InVision). Design clickable prototypes for a website or
app.
• Assignments: Create and submit an interactive prototype for a mobile app or website.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Prototyping tool (e.g., Figma, InVision)
• Reading: “About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design” by Alan Cooper
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your projects based on feedback or
self-critique.
• Assignments: Submit revisions of your earlier projects.
Weeks 10-11: UI Kits and Design Systems

• Topics: Study the creation of UI kits and design systems, focusing on consistency,
reusability, and scalability. Develop a UI kit for a website or app.
• Assignments: Submit a complete UI kit and demonstrate its application in a website or
app design.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ UI design resources and libraries (e.g., material design, Bootstrap UI)
• Reading: “Design Systems” by Alla Kholmatova
Weeks 12-13: User Testing and Iteration

• Topics: Learn the basics of user testing and how to iterate on design based on user
feedback. Conduct user testing for your prototype and iterate on the design.
• Assignments: Perform user testing on your interactive prototype, make necessary
revisions, and submit the revised design.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Prototyping tool (e.g., Figma, InVision)
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 • Reading: “The Elements of User Experience” by Jesse James Garrett
Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and start working on a nal UI/UX project, such as designing a fully
responsive website or mobile app with complete branding. Complete and present the nal
project.
• Assignments: Submit the nal project, including wireframes, mockups, and an
interactive prototype.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)

Year 3, Semester 5: Branding and Identity Design

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Brand Strategy

• Topics: Learn the basics of brand strategy, including brand positioning, target audience,
and brand voice. Create a brand strategy for a mock company.
• Assignments: Submit a detailed brand strategy document for a ctional brand.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Research materials on branding and market positioning
• Reading: “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
Weeks 3-4: Logo Design Process

• Topics: Study the logo design process, from brainstorming and sketching to re ning and
digitizing. Learn to create logos that align with brand strategy.
• Assignments: Submit logo concepts, sketches, and nal designs for a brand.
• Required Materials:
◦ Sketching tools (pencils, markers)
◦ Af nity Designer
• Reading: “Logo Design Love” by David Airey
Weeks 5-6: Brand Identity Elements

• Topics: Explore the creation of brand identity elements such as color palettes,
typography, and visual styles. Design complete brand identity guidelines for a brand.
• Assignments: Submit a brand identity guideline document, including logo, color palette,
typography, and applications.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Printing materials for high-quality brand guideline presentations
• Reading: “Designing Brand Identity” by Alina Wheeler
Weeks 7-8: Packaging Design
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 • Topics: Learn the fundamentals of packaging design, including dielines, product
mockups, and the role of packaging in brand identity. Design packaging for a ctional
product.
• Assignments: Submit packaging designs and mockups for a product.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Mockup templates or software for packaging (e.g., Adobe Dimension alternatives)
• Reading: “Packaging Design: Successful Product Branding from Concept to Shelf” by
Marianne Rosner Klimchuk
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your projects based on feedback or
self-critique.
• Assignments: Submit revisions of your earlier projects.
Weeks 10-11: Brand Applications

• Topics: Explore the practical applications of brand identity, including stationery, signage,
digital media, and merchandise. Design brand applications for a business.
• Assignments: Submit branded stationery, digital media, or signage designs.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Printer for physical proofs
• Reading: “The Brand Gap” by Marty Neumeier
Weeks 12-13: Real-World Branding Projects

• Topics: Work on a real or ctional client brief, designing a complete branding package,
including logo, packaging, and brand applications.
• Assignments: Submit the full branding package, including all brand identity and
applications.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)
Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and start working on a nal branding project, including logo, brand identity,
and applications. Complete and present the nal project.
• Assignments: Submit nal branding project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Portfolio presentation materials

Year 3, Semester 6: Advanced Design Theory & Portfolio

Building
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 Weeks 1-2: Advanced Design Theory

• Topics: Study advanced topics in design theory, including semiotics, symbolism, and
cultural in uence in design. Analyze design case studies and trends.
• Assignments: Submit a design analysis report on a famous brand or design trend.
• Required Materials:
◦ Research materials on design theory and history
• Reading: “The Elements of User Experience” by Jesse James Garrett
Weeks 3-4: Portfolio Building

• Topics: Learn how to build a professional design portfolio, including selecting and
presenting work. Focus on creating a cohesive narrative through portfolio pieces.
• Assignments: Submit a draft portfolio, including a selection of your best work.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Publisher
◦ High-quality printing materials for portfolio presentation
• Reading: “How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul” by Adrian
Shaughnessy
Weeks 5-6: Self-Branding

• Topics: Create a personal brand identity, including logo, portfolio website, and business
card. Develop a self-branding strategy to position yourself in the design industry.
• Assignments: Submit a self-branding package, including logo, business card, and
portfolio website mockup.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Website-building tools (e.g., Squarespace, WordPress)
• Reading: “Burn Your Portfolio” by Michael Janda
Weeks 7-8: Presentation and Interview Skills

• Topics: Learn to present your work effectively in client and job interviews. Practice
presentation techniques and how to discuss your design choices.
• Assignments: Submit a recorded presentation of your portfolio and conduct a mock
interview.
• Required Materials:
◦ Recording equipment for presentations (camera, microphone)
• Reading: “Creative Strategy and the Business of Design” by Douglas Davis
Week 9: Midterm Review

• Topics: Review all concepts learned so far. Revise your portfolio and self-branding
materials based on feedback.
• Assignments: Submit revisions of your portfolio and self-branding projects.
Weeks 10-11: Freelance Design Business
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 • Topics: Learn about setting up a freelance design business, including client management,
contracts, pricing, and marketing. Create a business plan for your freelance practice.
• Assignments: Submit a freelance business plan, including services, pricing, and
marketing strategy.
• Required Materials:
◦ Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, FreshBooks)
• Reading: “Freelance, and Business, and Stuff” by Amy Hood and Jennifer Hood
Weeks 12-13: Networking and Social Media for Designers

• Topics: Explore the role of networking and social media in growing a design career.
Learn to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Instagram to promote your
work.
• Assignments: Create a social media strategy for your design business and submit a
revised portfolio.
• Required Materials:
◦ Social media scheduling tools (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite)
Weeks 14-15: Final Project

• Topics: Plan and complete a nal project that showcases your best work. This could be a
comprehensive portfolio, including personal branding, client work, and a self-promotion
plan.
• Assignments: Submit nal portfolio and self-branding project. Present your work to a
panel of professionals for feedback.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer
◦ Portfolio presentation materials (e.g., custom portfolio binder or book)
Year 4, Semester 7: Specialization & Internship (Continued)
Weeks 1-2: Internship Planning & Goal Setting

• Topics: Prepare for your internship by setting clear goals, selecting the right industry
focus, and understanding how to apply your skills in real-world settings.
• Assignments: Submit an internship plan with clear goals, industry focus, and expected
learning outcomes.
• Required Materials:
◦ Internship documentation template
◦ Personal journal for re ections
• Reading: “Design is a Job” by Mike Monteiro
Weeks 3-8: Internship (Part 1)

• Topics: Apply your design knowledge and skills in a professional environment. Engage
in various design tasks, work with clients, and collaborate with team members to solve
real-world problems.
• Assignments:
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 ◦ Weekly internship journal entries documenting your work, challenges, and
learning experiences.
◦ Midterm progress report with supervisor feedback.
• Required Materials:
◦ Access to professional design tools and software (e.g., Af nity Designer, Af nity
Publisher)
◦ Networking tools (LinkedIn, Behance)
• Reading: “Talent is Not Enough: Business Secrets for Designers” by Shel Perkins
Weeks 9-13: Internship (Part 2)

• Topics: Continue your internship, taking on more responsibility and re ning your
professional skills. Focus on a speci c project that will be featured in your nal portfolio.
• Assignments:
◦ Final internship report, including an analysis of your contributions, case studies,
and re ections on your learning experience.
◦ Gather work samples and client testimonials for your portfolio.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer for project work
◦ Documentation tools for case studies
• Reading: “Creative Truth: Start & Build a Pro table Design Business” by Brad Weaver
Weeks 14-15: Internship Presentation

• Topics: Present your internship experience to your peers and faculty. Re ect on your
growth as a designer and discuss how the internship has in uenced your career goals.
• Assignments:
◦ Internship presentation, including case studies and lessons learned.
◦ Submit all nal internship documents.
• Required Materials:
◦ Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint)
◦ Portfolio materials (digital and physical)

Year 4, Semester 8: Capstone Project & Portfolio

Completion
Weeks 1-2: Capstone Project Planning

• Topics: Begin planning your capstone project, which will showcase your design mastery.
Choose a focus area (branding, UI/UX, or multi-disciplinary) and de ne the scope,
objectives, and deliverables.
• Assignments: Submit a capstone project proposal, including a timeline, research plan,
and project objectives.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer for project development
◦ Research materials for project insights and background
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 • Reading: “Making and Breaking the Grid” by Timothy Samara
Weeks 3-4: Research and Concept Development

• Topics: Conduct in-depth research to inform your capstone project. Begin developing
concepts, sketches, and preliminary designs based on your ndings.
• Assignments: Submit research ndings and initial concept sketches for your capstone
project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Sketching tools (pencils, markers)
◦ Af nity Designer for concept development
• Reading: “Design Research: Methods and Perspectives” by Brenda Laurel
Weeks 5-6: Capstone Project Execution (Part 1)

• Topics: Begin executing your capstone project, focusing on the design process, iteration,
and re nement. Apply advanced design techniques learned throughout the program.
• Assignments: Submit mid-project progress, including drafts, wireframes, mockups, or
branding elements.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Publisher for project execution
◦ Project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
• Reading: “Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Josef Müller-Brockmann
Weeks 7-9: Capstone Project Execution (Part 2)

• Topics: Continue executing your capstone project, focusing on perfecting the design and
ensuring it meets the objectives laid out in your proposal.
• Assignments: Submit re ned drafts, design prototypes, or nal branding elements for
review and feedback.
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Publisher for project re nement
◦ Testing and user feedback tools for prototypes
• Reading: “A Designer's Art” by Paul Rand
Week 10: Capstone Project Review

• Topics: Conduct a review of your capstone project with peers and faculty. Receive
constructive feedback and make any necessary nal revisions.
• Assignments: Submit a project review document outlining the feedback received and
your plan for nal revisions.
• Required Materials:
◦ Documentation tools for feedback notes and revisions
◦ Af nity Designer for nal project edits
Weeks 11-12: Final Revisions & Portfolio Completion

• Topics: Finalize your capstone project and complete your professional portfolio. Ensure
all work is polished and ready for presentation to potential employers or clients.
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 • Assignments: Submit the nal capstone project and a completed portfolio (digital and
physical versions).
• Required Materials:
◦ Af nity Designer and Af nity Publisher for nal project touches
◦ High-quality printing materials for portfolio presentation
• Reading: “Portfolio Design” by Harold Linton
Weeks 13-14: Final Portfolio Presentation

• Topics: Present your nal portfolio and capstone project to a panel of industry
professionals, faculty, and peers. Demonstrate your design process, skills, and
professional development.
• Assignments: Submit a presentation of your nal portfolio and capstone project.
• Required Materials:
◦ Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint)
◦ Portfolio materials (digital and physical)
Week 15: Graduation and Career Preparation

• Topics: Prepare for graduation and transition into the design industry. Focus on job
search strategies, interview preparation, and career planning.
• Assignments: Submit a career plan, including job search strategies, target companies,
and interview prep materials.
• Required Materials:
◦ Job search tools (e.g., LinkedIn, Glassdoor)
◦ Interview preparation resources
• Reading: “Stand Out: Design a Personal Brand. Build a Killer Portfolio. Find a Great
Job.” by Denise Anderson
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