New Program Format
Graphic Design Certificate
Skillbox's top digital design program needed an update to keep up with market demands. When sudden staff changes left the team without an instructional designer for the first two courses, I stepped in to help with the project.
About the Project
TaskCreate the program's first two courses: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Basics
TeamThree graphic design experts, a producer, a copy editor, video production staff
AudienceAdults, 18-30, who want to start a graphic design career
My RoleInstructional designer
ClientSkillbox, a leading provider of continuing professional education
ID ApproachProject-based learning, 4c/ID
Why This Project?
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are essential tools for graphic designers, so it's crucial for beginners to start by learning these programs. That's why Photoshop and Illustrator Basics were planned as the first two courses in the new Graphic Design Certificate Program.
Design and Development
When creating these courses, we considered five key ideas:
- Project-Based LearningTo really master the essential graphic design tools, students needed to use them in real work scenarios. So, we went with a project-based approach for both courses. Each module started with a brief for a project that students would complete by the end of the module.
Working with two experienced graphic designers, we developed projects that junior designers might realistically encounter in their first jobs, and that students could later include in their portfolios.1
- Building Learner ConfidenceMany students were complete beginners, some doubting their creative and technical abilities. It was crucial to help them succeed in the first two courses to build their confidence and motivation for the rest of the program.
We developed detailed project briefs, examples of completed projects, demonstrations, files and materials to assist with projects, and multimedia lessons on relevant Photoshop and Illustrator functions.2
- Varying Difficulty LevelsFor the more advanced students, I proposed a "Practice with a Pro" screencast series where instructors demonstrated work on more complex projects and delved deeper into the skills covered in each module.3
- Part-Task PracticeInitially, the team planned to create a series of tests as formative assessments. However, since Photoshop and Illustrator skills are so hands-on, I suggested part-task practice instead. This meant students would do small exercises after each lesson, with several exercises in each module. Isolated skill practice helped students tackle bigger and more complex projects as summative assessments at the end of each module.4
- Visual LiteracyMost students lacked the visual literacy needed for success in graphic design. I proposed that we start building this literacy right from the first two courses by showcasing examples of great design created using various Photoshop and Illustrator functions.5
Implementation
Applying the above ideas, we created the following learning materials:
- 82instructional videos
- 35multi-media lessons
- 13summative assessment projects
- 11"Practice with a Pro" screencasts
Implementation
Applying the above ideas, we created the following learning materials:
- 82instructional videos
- 35multi-media lessons
- 13summative assessment projects
- 11"Practice with a Pro" screencasts
Result Evaluation
What happens when you bring together fantastic subject-matter experts, a hard-working producer, and an enthusiastic instructional designer? It this case, it was a near-perfect learner satisfaction score:
- 99.7%Student Satisfaction Scorebased on 300 student reviews
I had previously studied Illustrator and Photoshop. But when I opened your lessons, I realized how many features and functionality I didn't know.
What you teach speeds up my work in these programs and makes it easier. I like your courses!
Clear and helpful materials; no needless detail.
Project Reflection
The main lesson from this project is the incredible power of teamwork. Finding experienced and committed experts was a crucial first step toward success. Revisiting initial design ideas and brainstorming better learning solutions was another key factor.
Our producer's leadership, never settling for less and successfully advocating for the resources needed to do a great job, made a huge difference.
I'm grateful for the wonderful people I got to work with, and I hope to have more teammates like them in the future.
Our producer's leadership, never settling for less and successfully advocating for the resources needed to do a great job, made a huge difference.
I'm grateful for the wonderful people I got to work with, and I hope to have more teammates like them in the future.
Project Reflection
The main lesson from this project is the incredible power of teamwork. Finding experienced and committed experts was a crucial first step toward success. Revisiting initial design ideas and brainstorming better learning solutions was another key factor.
Our producer's leadership, never settling for less and successfully advocating for the resources needed to do a great job, made a huge difference.
I'm grateful for the wonderful people I got to work with, and I hope to have more teammates like them in the future.
Our producer's leadership, never settling for less and successfully advocating for the resources needed to do a great job, made a huge difference.
I'm grateful for the wonderful people I got to work with, and I hope to have more teammates like them in the future.
What's Next?
I invite you to explore my other recent projects or contact me to discuss your e-learning idea.
What's Next?
I invite you to explore my other recent projects or contact me to discuss your e-learning idea.
Images: Bruce Mars, Emily Bernal, Veronika Poliakova, Uliana Birilo, Skillbox, Nordic Beauty, Quim Marin, Amnesty International, Linolago, m35 - Create with Google, Roman Sulin