Associate Professor Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Python Fundamentals for Designers
What You'll Learn
- Learn how Python can be applied to design projects
- Execute simple Python scripts to draw geometric forms like lines, rectangles, and ellipses
- Learn to use Python’s object-oriented programming to create basic shapes and designs
5 Modules
25 Hours
5 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Python Fundamentals for Designers
Python Fundamentals for Designers is an introduction to programming using Python meant for students interested in how programming is applied to visual applications and design. The course introduces the foundations of programming through a visual and dynamic learning environment. You’ll cover the essential building blocks of Python programming, from basic syntax and data types to more advanced concepts like control structures, functions, and inputs/outputs. Learn to build shapes and designs while implementing data structures that allow room for more complexity and depth within your projects. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create dynamic and organic visual effects using the Processing platform with Python.
This is the first course in a three-part series, Programming for Designers, aimed at equipping designers with essential computational design skills.
Skills You'll Gain
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Python (Programming Language)
- Responsive Web Design
- Web Development
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 Python Fundamentals for Designers, an online course that introduces Python programming through a creative, design-focused lens. You will learn core programming concepts while building visual compositions, working with color, images, randomness, and interaction. This course emphasizes experimentation and problem-solving, helping designers use code as a creative tool for generative and data-driven design 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: Introduction
- Variables, Expressions, and Data Types
- Arithmetic Operations
- Modularity in Programming
- Functions in Python
- Canvas & Colors
- Draw & Setup Functions
- Visualizing Mouse Coordinates
Module 2: Drawing Primitives, Randomness, and Boolean Logic
- Drawing Primitives
- 2D Primitives
- Advanced Primitives
- Iteration “For†Loop
- Drawing Primitives With Loops
- Randomness
- Introduction to Nested Loops
- Compositions With Nested Loops
Module 3: Conditionals, Boolean Logic, and Probability
- Boolean Logic
- Conditional Statements
- Iteration Using Conditionals
- Introduction to Probability
- Designing With Probability
- Tuples In Python
- Simple State Machine
Module 4: Transformations
- Coordinate Systems & Translations
- Push & Pop Matrix
- Transformations—Rotations
- Transformations—Scale
- Combining Transformations
- Working With Images
- Composition Using Images
Module 5: Input and Output
- Read/Write Text Files
- Write a Table as a CSV File
- Reading Data From a CSV File
- Composition Using Perlin Noise
- Reading Pixel Data
- Pixel Selection
- Re-Sampling Image
Grading Policy
To pass the course, learners must earn an overall score of 80% or higher. Graded quizzes allow unlimited attempts and require a minimum score of 80% to pass. Assessments in each module account 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.
Beginner Level
Participants are advised to have some familiarity with design environments, including CAAD software, graphic design software, or 3D model software.
