Course

Visual Elements of User Interface Design

California Institute of the Arts

This design-centric course, "Visual Elements of User Interface Design," explores the role of a designer in creating a user interface and the essential skills for clear and seamless interfaces through color, type, and imagery. The course is the first in the UI/UX Design Specialization, offering a design-centric approach to UI and UX design, with practical, skill-based instruction focused on a visual communications perspective.

  • Examine the broad question of what an interface is and what role a designer plays in creating a user interface.
  • Learn to design and articulate meaning using color, type, and imagery.
  • Focus on the many individual elements and components that make up the skillset of an interface designer.
  • Gain the ability to describe the key formal elements of clear, consistent, and intuitive UI design.
  • Apply learned skills to the design of a static screen-based interface.

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Visual Elements of User Interface Design
Course Modules

This course consists of modules covering the course overview, user interface, formal elements of interface design, active elements of interface design, and composing the elements of interface design.

Course and Specialization Overview

Welcome to the UI/UX Design Specialization, where you will receive an overview of the course and the specialization. This module also covers the importance of peer review, academic integrity, and the required tools for the course.

What IS a user interface anyway?

Module 2 delves into the fundamental question of what a user interface is, the relationship between UI and UX, roles in UI/UX, and a historical overview of interface design. It also covers the theory and application of interface conventions, aesthetics, and functionality.

Formal Elements of Interface Design

In Module 3, you will explore the formal elements of interface design, including look and feel, language as a design tool, color, shape, imagery, typography, and icons. You will also define the look and feel of a project through visual exercises.

Active Elements of Interface Design

Module 4 focuses on active elements of interface design, covering the transition from static to active elements, functionality, speed, style, composition, structure, buttons, states, and pattern libraries. You will also practice designing better buttons and examine an interface.

Composing the Elements of Interface Design

Comprising the final module, Module 5 covers composing the elements of interface design, including making a whole from many parts, hierarchy of content, conventions, structure and grids, and platforms and screen sizes. You will conclude the course by sketching a static interface.

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