Learn design basics in 30 minutes

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.