Associate Professor Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Creative Coding for Designers Using Python
What You'll Learn
- Create particle systems in Python to form dynamic visual patterns
- Create vector fields in Processing using indexes and Perlin Noise remapping to create flowing patterns
- Apply algorithms to perform procedural generation to craft intricate tile-based patterns with customizable textures
5 Modules
30 Hours
6 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Creative Coding for Designers Using Python
Creative Coding for Designers Using Python,marks the final installment in the comprehensive three-course specialization, aimed at significantly enhancing the programming capabilities of designers, artists, and visual thinkers through Python. As the advanced course in the series, Creative Coding for Designers Using Python adopts a project-based learning strategy to consolidate and apply the skills acquired from the first two courses. In this course, you’ll focus on dynamic simulations and procedural content generation, offering a deeper dive into Python's application in visual design and digital art. Designed for individuals who have grasped the basics of Python, including its syntax, data structures, and object-oriented programming principles, this course delves into sophisticated topics. Leveraging the Processing platform with Python, you’ll engage in interactive projects that transform theoretical knowledge into tangible outputs, bridging the gap between technical proficiency and artistic creativity.
Creative Coding for Designers Using Python is structured as an educational journey that combines technology and art, equipping participants with the skills to explore advanced digital design techniques. This course offers the tools and conceptual understanding necessary for the innovative application of Python in creating digital art and design projects.
This is the third and final course in a three-part series, Programming for Designers, aimed at equipping designers with essential computational design skills.
Skills You'll Gain
- Computational Design
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Python (Programming Language)
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Creative Coding for Designers Using Python, an advanced course in the Programming for Designers series. Dive into particle systems, vector fields, and ecosystem simulations to explore complex patterns and interactions. Learn advanced algorithms like A-Star and wave function collapse for generative design in architecture, gaming, and digital art. This course will expand your creative coding skills and empower you to design visually captivating and algorithmically rich projects.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Particle Systems
- Video: Specialization Overview
- Video: Meet Your Instructor
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Video: Summary of Course 2
- Video: Course Overview
- Video: Introduction to Our Learning Environment
- Reading: Textbook: Setting up our Coding Environment - Python in Processing
- Reading: Source Code for Creative Coding for Designers Using Python
- Discussion Prompt: Introduce Yourself
- Reading: Pre-Course Survey
- Video: Project 1: Particle Systems
- Reading: Textbook: Particle Systems
- Video: Adding Forces
- Video: Particle Lifespan
- Video: Drawing Particle Trails
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Particle Systems
- Video: Creating a Force Class
- Video: Closest Object Calculation
- Video: Particles Interact with Force/s
- Reading: Textbook: Forces
- Video: Creating Forces & Particles Dynamically
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Forces
- Reading: Introduction to the Gamut Gallery Tool
- App Item: Gallery: Week 1 Reflections
- Graded: Week 1 Quiz: Particles & Forces
Module 2: Vector Fields
- Video: Project 2: Vector Fields
- Reading: Textbook: Vector Fields
- Video: Vector Data From Perlin Noise
- Video: Calibrating the Vector Field
- Video: Calculating a Vector from Position Data
- Reading: Textbook: Mouse Interaction
- Video: Vector from Mouse History
- Video: Painting Vectors with Mouse History
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Vector Fields
- Video: Neighboring Vectors
- Video: Neighboring Vectors 2
- Reading: Text: Neighboring vectors
- Video: Calibrating the Paint Tool
- Video: Particles Over Vector Field
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Vector Field Interactions
- App Item: Gallery: Week 2 Reflections
- Graded: Week 2 Quiz: Vector Fields
Module 3: Ecosystem Simulation
- Video: Project 3 - Ecosystem Simulation
- Video: Herbivore Simulation
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 02 - Decision Tree
- Reading: Textbook: Decision Trees
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Decision Trees
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 03 - Transitions
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 04 - Wander
- Reading: Textbook: Ecosystem Simulation
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 04 - Seek Food
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 05 - Eating Food
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Behaviors
- Video: Herbivore Simulation 06 - Starvation
- Video: Calibrating the Ecosystem
- Video: Expanding the Ecosystem
- App Item: Gallery: Week 3 Reflections
- Graded: Week 3 Quiz: Ecosystem simulation
Module 4: Pathfinding
- Video: Project 4: Pathfinding
- Video: Environment Customization
- Reading: Textbook: Pathfinding
- Video: Accessing Neighbors
- Video: Flood Fill Calculation
- Video: Considering Obstacles
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Flood Fill
- Video: Optimal Path
- Video: A-Star Algorithm
- Reading: Textbook: A-Star
- Video: A-Star Algorithm Part 2
- Video: Visualizing A-Star Data
- Video: Expanding the Pathfinding System
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Pathfinding
- App Item: Gallery: Week 4 Reflections
- Graded: Week 4 Quiz: Pathfinding with A-Star
Module 5: Wave Function Collapse
- Video: Project 5: Wave Function Collapse
- Video: Environment
- Video: Tile Compatibility
- Reading: Textbook: Wave Function Collapse Introduction
- Video: Collapsing a Cell
- Video: Propagation
- Video: Neighbor Compatibility
- Reading: Textbook: Tile Compatibility
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Wave Function Collapse Concepts
- Video: Lowest Entropy
- Video: Visualizing Possibilities
- Video: Image Tile Sets
- Video: Wrap Up
- Graded Assignment: Practice Quiz: Wave Function Collapse Structure
- App Item: Gallery: Week 5 Reflections
- Video: What's Next?
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Graded: Week 5 Quiz: Wave Function Collapse
Grading Policy
To pass the course and earn the certificate, you must achieve an overall grade of 80%. Grades are based entirely on module review quizzes, with each quiz accounting for 20% of your final grade.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Advanced Level
Participants are advised to have some familiarity with design environments, including CAAD software, graphic design software, or 3D model software.
