Design Tools and Techniques
DSGN-40001
Design Tools and Techniques: A Hands-on Course
10 Weeks | No Prerequisite
Format: Asynchronous Online with Instructor Feedback and Guidance Throughout
Unlock the full potential of modern design with our course on Design Tools and Techniques, where you’ll gain comprehensive, hands-on experience with the essential software used by industry professionals today.
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or learn new tools, this course covers a wide range of design platforms and techniques to equip you for real-world projects. From photo editing and vector graphics to UI/UX design and 3D modeling, you’ll learn about relevant and current design tools for digital media.
Course Details
In this project-based course, you’ll be introduced to industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, and more.Learn the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop for photo manipulation and compositing, create vector artwork and logos in Illustrator, and become familiar with digital layouts in InDesign. You’ll also delve into the fundamentals of UI design with Figma, where you’ll practice building interactive mockups and prototypes. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the diverse skill needed for a wide range of design applications, including web, print, and mobile media.
Beyond traditional design tools, this course introduces you to essential aspects of user experience (UX) design. You’ll gain valuable skills in user research, persona development, and wireframing, ensuring that your designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly and functional. As part of the curriculum, you'll explore 3D design tools like Blender and SketchUp, adding depth to your creative toolkit. Additionally, you’ll learn about foundational web design skills, including HTML, CSS, and responsive design principles, that will allow you to create designs that adapt across various devices and platforms.
Curated Linkedin Learning modules keep this course current and relevant. Weekly exercises and applied projects will integrate the course tools and techniques, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world design challenges. Guided instructor feedback, ensures that you stay focused and on target.
This course is intended to be both comprehensive and practical, preparing you for the dynamic demands of the design industry. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, or plan to pursue specialties like web design, UI/UX, or 3D modeling, this course will expand your knowledge and make you a more versatile, market-ready designer.
What You'll Learn
- Gain proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design, photo editing, and layout.
- Explore digital imaging, enhancement, and creative design principles using Adobe Photoshop.
- Understand vector graphics and logo design skills with Adobe Illustrator.
- Learn digital layout techniques using Adobe InDesign.
- Apply UX design principles and the UX life cycle including user research, persona development, and wireframing.
- Practice UI design principles and create interactive mockups with prototyping tools like Figma.
- Get hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, and responsive frameworks.
- Learn about 3D design and video editing tools such as Blender, SketchUp, and Premier.
- Complete project-based exercises that integrate multiple design tools and real-world application skills as you build toward your design portfolio.
Course Information
Equipment/Software: Adobe Creative Cloud for Students is required. A Linkedin Learning subscription is also required for this course. You may be able to use a free trial offer for a portion of the course. These costs are not included in your course price. Your instructor will provide information regarding other free/free trial software.
Flexible Enrollment: This course is a requirement for the Digital Design and Creative Strategy Professional Certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/16/2026
- Early enrollment advised
- No UCSD parking permit required
- No visitors permitted
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Donna Sandsmark, M.S.
Combines a background in engineering, programming, and design to create a learning environment that covers all aspects of web design
My professional goal is simple - to make a positive impact. I challenge myself each day to learn something new and perform at the highest level.
I find technology fascinating! My career in project management and web design/UX/development is a rewarding one, allowing me to explore my creativity and solve technical challenges. Things are always changing, and that is what makes it exciting.
In the latest chapter of my career, I am working with customers and their NetSuite implementations, leading a talented team of functional and technical consultants who implement this powerful software solution and help business grow and become more efficient.
I also freelance and work with several companies on web and mobile projects.
Being an educator is also an important part of my career. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of those I teach. My greatest contribution to the education of my students is to demystify technical skills and give students the confidence to learn without fear.
Specialties: project management, user experience UX design, web development, HTML, CSS, JQuery, JavaScript, SEO, social media, responsive design, mobile development, computer programming, flash development, engineering, design engineer, project management, teaching, curriculum development, graphic design, photoshop, illustrator, advertising and marketing, NetSuite, ERP.
My interests and passions are also an important part of my professional life. I am an avid sports enthusiast, playing soccer and also officiating soccer matches. And I am an avid animal lover, volunteering my time to numerous animal rescue organizations.
