Learn design basics in 30 minutes

Name: Learn design basics in 30 minutes
Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)

Master color theory, typography, layout & graphics to create compelling designs in less than 30 minutes.

Created byIcons8 Design

Last updated 11/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand fundamental design principles including color theory, harmonies, and how to use palettes to set mood and guide viewers.
Learn typography essentials: font categories, metrics like baseline, x-height, kerning, and how to create hierarchy and pair fonts effectively.
Apply layout principles such as grid systems, spacing, rule of thirds, alignment and contrast to build balanced, readable compositions.
Select and use graphics, icons, illustrations, photos and AI tools to enhance design storytelling and reinforce brand identity.

Course content

6 sections • 34 lectures • 29m total length

Trailer0:18
Provides a brief overview of the course to entice students to enroll.
Intro0:54
Overview of the course and what you’ll learn about design basics.

Color Intro0:18
Introduces the importance of color in design and sets expectations for the module.
What is color0:25
Explains how colors are perceived and the concept of primary colors and their combinations.
Color Theory0:43
Covers color theory and the color wheel, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Color Harmonies0:56
Discusses different color harmonies such as analogous, complementary, monochromatic, triadic, and tetradic.
Color Contrasts1:00
Explores color contrasts to create emphasis and interest in design.
Color Psychology0:36
Looks at how colors affect emotions and the connotations of different hues.
Using Color Effectively0:59
Provides tips for using color effectively, considering mood, audience, and composition.
Where to Get Color Palettes0:15
Shares resources like Coolors, Adobe Color, and Color Hunt for finding color palettes.
Conclusion0:16
Wraps up the color module and encourages practicing color analysis in designs.

What are fonts0:22
Discusses what fonts are, typography basics, and their role in conveying a message.
Font theory1:02
Explains the theory behind fonts, including anatomy and classification.
Font basics0:58
Covers basic principles of typography, such as typeface styles, sizes, and weights.
Useful tips1:08
Provides useful tips for selecting and using fonts effectively in design projects.
Where to get good fonts0:38
Lists resources for finding quality fonts, both free and paid.
How to pair fonts0:38
Offers guidance on combining fonts harmoniously for readability and aesthetics.
Conclusion0:14
Summarizes key takeaways from the fonts module and encourages practice.

Intro Layout0:21
Introduces the layout module and its importance in organizing visual information.
What Is Layout0:25
Defines layout and explains its role in guiding the viewer’s eye.
Grids0:51
Covers grid systems and how they help structure designs.
Spacing0:38
Discusses the use of spacing and whitespace to create balanced compositions.
Composition1:16
Explores composition principles such as alignment, hierarchy, and balance.
Building Layout0:40
Demonstrates step-by-step how to construct a layout using grids and composition techniques.
Conclusion0:16
Summarizes the layout module and encourages practicing layout creation.

Graphics in design0:30
Overview of graphics and their importance in design.
Creating your own graphics0:29
Guides you through creating custom graphics for your projects.
Icons1:03
Shows how to use icons effectively in your designs.
Photos0:45
Tips for selecting and using photos in design.
Illustrations1:20
Discusses using illustrations to enhance visuals.
AI Tools1:12
Introduces AI tools for generating design graphics.
How to use graphics0:21
Best practices for integrating graphics into your work.

Requirements

No design experience needed. Basic computer skills and access to design software (Lunacy or Figma) and internet are sufficient.

Description

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Welcome to Design Basics by Icons8. This beginner-friendly course will teach you the core principles of visual design. Through six comprehensive modules you’ll explore: color theory and palettes; fonts and typography; layout and composition; the effective use of graphics and icons; and practical application using Lunacy or Figma.

The course begins with an overview of design fundamentals, explaining why design is important and how the choices you make can influence emotions and communication. In the Colors module you’ll learn about primary, secondary and tertiary colors, color harmonies and psychology, and how to build cohesive palettes. The Fonts module covers type categories, readability and hierarchy, helping you choose the right fonts for different contexts. Layout will introduce grids, alignment, spacing and composition so you can arrange elements for clarity and impact. Graphics explores the use of icons and illustrations and shows how to integrate assets into your designs.

Finally, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on project: create a landing page design using Lunacy or Figma. This project will give you the chance to experiment with color, typography, layout and graphics in a cohesive composition. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in design principles and the confidence to continue creating beautiful, user-friendly designs for your own projects and professional work.

Who this course is for:

Beginners and aspiring digital designers, marketers, content creators, or anyone who wants to learn design basics and create appealing visuals.

Learn design basics in 30 minutes

What you'll learn

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Course content

01. Intro2 lectures • 1min

02. Color9 lectures • 5min

03. Fonts7 lectures • 5min

04. Layout7 lectures • 4min

05. Graphics7 lectures • 6min

06. Practice2 lectures • 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: