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Programming for Designers

What You'll Learn

  • Learn the fundamentals of Python programming, including essential coding techniques
  • Understand how to develop custom algorithms that can generate a range of design solutions against complex requirements, constraints, and objectives
  • Engage in computational design thinking to approach design problems with a mindset that leverages computational strategy and problem-solving
  • Demonstrate the application of computational methods in design-related disciplines using a variety of computational tools
3-Course Series
80 hours
27 hours per course (approx.)
Shareable Certificate
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About Programming for Designers

In Programming for Designers, you will explore Python programming within a creative context, equipping you with essential computational design skills. Beginning with fundamental programming principles, you will move on to more intricate data structures, leading to the development of practical creative coding projects. Learn how to use the Processing platform, a program that allows designers to create visual, interactive media to meet their project needs. Develop the skills to move from simple to intricate designs, ranging from illustrative shapes and images to animations. Cover procedural best practices for design applications and intelligence navigation, and build a rich understanding of how advanced data structures can be used to create digital environments.

This course series is tailored for individuals within architecture, graphic design, industrial design, game design and the visual arts interested in integrating programming with graphic creativity. As each course in the series is structured to build on previous course knowledge, Programming for Designers allows you to practice your skills within Python, allowing you to bring your design concepts to life with precision and efficiency.

Skills You'll Gain

  • Graphic Arts
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Web Development
  • Graphic Design
  • Computational Design
  • Data Structures
  • Responsive Web Design
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

What You'll Earn

Certificate of Completion
Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Modality
100% Online
Format
Self-Paced
Subject
  • Arts and Culture
  • Computer Science
Platform
Coursera
Portrait of Jose Sanchez
Jose Sanchez

Associate Professor Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

3 Learning Experiences

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.

Series Video

Enrollment Options

Individuals

This experience is available to individual learners on the following platforms:

U-M Community

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Michigan get free access.

Organizations

Special pricing and tailored programming bundles available for organizational partners.

What are Coursera and edX?

Michigan Online learning experiences may be hosted on one or more learning platforms. Platform features may vary, including payment models, social communities, and learner support.

Coursera

  • Hosts online courses, series, and Teach-Outs from Michigan Online
  • Enroll and preview courses anytime
  • May earn a non-credit certificate from Coursera

edX

  • Hosts online courses and series from Michigan Online
  • Many offer a free (limited) audit option
  • May earn a non-credit certificate from edX

For more information visit the What are Coursera and edX? FAQ section

3 Courses in this series

  1. Free U-M Access Course

    Python Fundamentals for Designers

    Learn to code visually with Python through dynamic shapes and data structures using the Processing platform.

    based on 6 ratings
  2. Free U-M Access Course

    Data Structures for Designers Using Python

    Use Python data structures and object-oriented design to enhance creative projects and develop computational thinking for visual design.

    based on 3 ratings
  3. Free U-M Access Course

    Creative Coding for Designers Using Python

    Use Python to create generative art and dynamic visual designs with project-based coding in Processing.

    based on 2 ratings

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