University of Colorado Boulder

Type and Visual Organization

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University of Colorado Boulder

Type and Visual Organization

Lori Poole

Instructor: Lori Poole

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Exercise the ability to recognize and use typography and typographic principles.

  • Recognize quality visual composition and organize visual information through effective layout design.

  • Identify and analyze problems, research and gather information, and brainstorm solutions to solve visual communication challenges.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

June 2026

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Intermediate Visual Communication Skills for Non-Designers Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This first module focuses on preparing you for the effective use of type in visual communication. To get started, we will cover the history of type and evolution of fonts. Then we will learn about the anatomy of letterforms and identify characteristics of type styles and families. By the end of the various lessons and videos, you should be able to identify and have a list of key typographical terms to use as reference for projects in this specialization.

What's included

4 videos1 reading2 assignments

According to the Oxford dictionary, hierarchy is “an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance.” When it comes to communicating information, good hierarchy entices a viewer to read the items on a page and follow an intended visual flow. Hierarchy not only provides order to the page, but it also can assist in creating visual excitement to the layout. In this module, we will be looking at the three levels of typographic hierarchy: the main heading, sub-heading and body copy. We will also look at how placement of design elements can help or hinder visual communication.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 assignments

We will end this specialization by focusing on ways to use various typography platforms and find creative inspiration. As covered in the previous modules, knowing general typesetting vocabulary and rules will be helpful for your future reference. This module will now take those terms and apply them to certain situations to help capture a mood or visual contrast with typography. We will also reflect on the various brainstorming activities, in hopes to answer the following questions: Why do we brainstorm? What techniques could you use for upcoming job tasks in this or life in general? And where can you find inspiration?

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review

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Instructor

Lori Poole
University of Colorado Boulder
7 Courses88,776 learners

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