Digital Design Tools and Software

• In this course, you will learn to:
• Describe the fundamental principles and applications of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to establish a strong foundation in graphic design.
• Identify the core tools and features in both Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to recognize their roles in the design process.
• Organize and manage design elements efficiently using layers, guides, and grids in both software to enhance design workflow.
• Summarize the key concepts and procedures involved in creating, editing, and finalizing graphic design projects to consolidate learning.
• Discuss various techniques and approaches for image editing, text formatting, and object management to develop a flexible skill set.
• Explain the process of integrating text, graphics, and images in design layouts to create cohesive and visually appealing compositions.
• Compare different methods of object transformation and manipulation in Photoshop and InDesign to apply the most effective techniques in design projects.
• Report on the application of design principles in real-world projects by completing case studies and practical assignments.
• Identify common design issues and apply appropriate solutions using advanced features of Photoshop and InDesign.
• Demonstrate proficiency in executing design projects from concept to completion, employing best practices and industry-standard software tools.
• Operate both Adobe Photoshop and InDesign with confidence to execute various design tasks, from basic editing to complex compositions.
• Modify design elements using advanced tools and features to enhance visual communication and meet project objectives.
• Predict the impact of different design decisions within the context of a given project to make informed creative choices.
• Examine and critique graphic design works to identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Differentiate between various design techniques and workflows to apply the most effective strategies in diverse design scenarios.
• Distinguish the specific uses of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign in the graphic design process to leverage each program’s strengths.
• Estimate the time and resources required for various design tasks to plan and execute projects efficiently.
• Rate the effectiveness of different design solutions to evaluate and improve design outcomes.

• Interpret core principles of Photoshop and InDesign for effective graphic design.
• Illustrate mastery in using Photoshop and InDesign’s essential tools and features.
• Transform design elements with both software, demonstrating improved workflow skills.
• Paraphrase main concepts in graphic design project creation and completion.
• Critique image editing, text formatting, and object management techniques for a versatile skill set.
• Explain how to blend text, graphics, and images for attractive designs.
• Compare object transformation methods in both software to find the best solutions.
• Summarize and suggest design principle improvements from real projects and studies.
• Identify and solve design issues with Photoshop and InDesign’s advanced features.
• Demonstrate competence in managing design projects from start to finish with best practices.
• Utilize Photoshop and InDesign for diverse editing and composition tasks.
• Modify and boost design elements for better communication and goal achievement.
• Predict and evaluate design choices’ impacts for strategic decisions.
• Examine graphic works to highlight improvements and encourage learning.
• Differentiate between design techniques for effective application in various scenarios.
• Draw insights on the distinct applications of Photoshop and InDesign in design.
• Estimate and manage resources effectively for design projects.
• Rate and evaluate different design solutions for optimal outcomes.

The academic approach of the course focuses on ‘work-centric’ education. With this hands-on approach, derive knowledge from and while working to make it more wholesome, delightful and useful. The ultimate objective is to empower learners to also engage in socially useful and productive work. It aims at bringing learners closer to their rewarding careers as well as to the development of the community.

• Step 1: Learners are given an overview of the course and its connection to life and work
• Step 2: Learners are exposed to the specific tool(s) used in the course through the various real-life applications of the tool(s).
• Step 3: Learners are acquainted with the careers and the hierarchy of roles they can perform at workplaces after attaining increasing levels of mastery over the tool(s).
• Step 4: Learners are acquainted with the architecture of the tool or tool map so as to appreciate various parts of the tool, their functions, utility and inter-relations.
• Step 5: Learners are exposed to simple application development methodology by using the tool at the beginner’s level.
• Step 6: Learners perform the differential skills related to the use of the tool to improve the given ready-made industry-standard outputs.
• Step 7: Learners are engaged in appreciation of real-life case studies developed by the experts.
• Step 8: Learners are encouraged to proceed from appreciation to imitation of the experts.
• Step 9: After the imitation experience, they are required to improve the expert’s outputs so that they proceed from mere imitation to emulation.
• Step 10: Emulation is taken a level further from working with differential skills towards the visualization and creation of a complete output according to the requirements provided. (Long Assignments)
• Step 11: Understanding the requirements, communicating one’s own thoughts and presenting are important skills required in facing an interview for securing a work order/job. For instilling these skills, learners are presented with various subject-specific technical as well as HR-oriented questions and encouraged to answer them.
• Step 12: Finally, they develop the integral skills involving optimal methods and best practices to produce useful outputs right from scratch, publish them in their ePortfolio and thereby proceed from emulation to self-expression, from self-expression to self-confidence and from self-confidence to self-reliance and self-esteem!