Free Online Design Theory Courses and Certifications 2024

Design Theory is a set of principles and guidelines used to inform the design process. It is a framework for understanding how design decisions are made and how they affect the outcome of a project. Design Theory is used to create a unified approach to design, and to ensure that the design process is consistent and effective.

Design Theory Courses

What Are the Best Design Theory Certifications?

Design theory is the study of the principles, methods, and processes of design. It can help you create effective, innovative, and user-centered solutions for various problems and challenges.


Here are some of the top-rated courses that you can take to learn design theory and earn certification online:


**Design Thinking: A Toolkit for Breakthrough Innovation** by Kellogg School of Management – [Coursera]. This course teaches you how to apply design thinking to generate novel and valuable ideas for your business or organization. You will learn how to empathize with your users, define their needs, ideate creative solutions, prototype and test your concepts, and implement your innovations. You will also learn how to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in your team. The course includes 4 hours of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments. The course offers a certificate of completion.

**Mastering Design Thinking** by MIT Management Executive Education – [edX] . This course teaches you how to master design thinking as a strategic tool for innovation and transformation. You will learn how to apply design thinking to various domains and contexts, such as products, services, systems, and organizations. You will also learn how to lead design thinking projects, teams, and initiatives. The course includes 8 weeks of online instruction, live webinars, case studies, peer feedback, and a capstone project. The course offers a professional certificate upon completion.

**UI/UX Design Expert** by Simplilearn – [Simplilearn] . This course teaches you how to become a UI/UX design expert with skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and user testing. You will learn how to use tools such as Adobe XD, Figma, Balsamiq, and InVision. You will also learn how to create user personas, user journeys, user flows, information architecture, mockups, and interactive prototypes. The course includes 66 hours of live online classes, 40 hours of self-paced learning videos, 15 real-life projects, 4 industry case studies, and 1 capstone project. The course offers a certificate of completion.

**Design Theory: An Introduction** by University of Colorado Boulder – [Coursera]. This course teaches you the basics of design theory and how it can help you improve your design practice. You will learn about the history and evolution of design theory, the different types and levels of design theory, and the key concepts and frameworks of design theory. You will also learn how to apply design theory to analyze and critique existing designs, as well as create your own designs. The course includes 3 hours of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments. The course offers a certificate of completion.

**Design Theory: How To Make Dynamic Compositions** by Sean Adams – [Skillshare]. This course teaches you how to make dynamic compositions using design theory principles such as balance, contrast, rhythm, scale, hierarchy, harmony, and unity. You will learn how to use these principles to create visual interest, movement, tension, and emotion in your designs. You will also learn how to use grids, shapes, colors, typography, images, and negative space to enhance your compositions. The course includes 14 video lessons and a class project. The course offers a certificate of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q1: What Design Theory courses can I find on AZ Class?

On this page, we have collected free or certified 35 Design Theory online courses from various platforms. The list currently only displays up to 50 items. If you have other needs, please contact us.

Q2: Can I learn Design Theory for free?

Yes, If you don’t know Design Theory, we recommend that you try free online courses, some of which offer certification (please refer to the latest list on the webpage as the standard). Wish you a good online learning experience!

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