Graphic Design Basics for Non-Designers

About this course

You don't need to be a designer to make things that look clear and professional. This course covers why design matters, how layout and hierarchy guide the eye, how colour and typography create mood and readability, and how to keep everything consistent and accessible. By the end you'll be able to make flyers, slides and social posts that people actually read.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to explain why good design helps people understand and act on information
• You'll be able to create a layout with clear hierarchy that guides the reader
• You'll be able to choose colours and fonts that are readable and suit your message
• You'll be able to keep designs consistent and accessible for a wide range of readers

Course outline

1. Why Design Matters

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Design is about making information easy to find, understand and act on. Good design saves people time, builds trust and makes your message more memorable.
2. Layout and Hierarchy

   10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Hierarchy is the order in which the eye reads a design. Size, weight, position and spacing tell people what matters most, what comes next and what can be skipped.
3. Colour Basics

   10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Colour sets mood, draws attention and helps people recognise your brand. You don't need many colours; a small, well-chosen palette is more effective than a rainbow.
4. Typography Basics

   10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Typography is the art of choosing and arranging type so it's easy to read. A simple pairing of one or two fonts, sensible sizes and comfortable spacing does most of the work.
5. Consistency and Accessibility

   10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Consistent design builds recognition, and accessible design makes sure everyone can read and use what you produce. Both are about making things easy for real people.
6. Tools you'll need

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   You can make excellent designs with free tools and a clear process. Paid tools add advanced features, templates and brand management for teams that produce a lot of material.
7. Careers & next steps

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Design skills are used in marketing, communications, events, publishing and small business roles. This lesson shows typical paths and how to check what the work is worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.