Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

No, this course is not designed to provide university credit.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

Demonstrate the application of computational methods in design-related disciplines using a variety of computational tools.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Programming for Designers Specialization

Programming for Designers Specialization

Develop a foundation in Computational Design. Explore Creative Coding with Python

Instructor: Jose Sanchez

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

5.0

(5 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 months at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

5.0

(5 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 months at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

Learn the fundamentals of Python programming, including essential coding techniques
Engage in computational design thinking to approach design problems with a mindset that leverages computational strategy and problem-solving
Understand how to develop custom algorithms that can generate a range of design solutions against complex requirements, constraints, and objectives
Demonstrate the application of computational methods in design-related disciplines using a variety of computational tools

Overview

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.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

43 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of Michigan

Specialization - 3 course series

Python Fundamentals for Designers

Course 126 hoursView course

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

Skills you'll gain

Python Programming, Interactive Design, Data Import/Export, Computational Logic, Computer Graphics, Programming Principles, Graphic and Visual Design, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Animations, Interactive Data Visualization, and Visualization (Computer Graphics)

Data Structures for Designers Using Python

Course 226 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Learn to use Python data structures to create intricate designs
Use object-oriented programming to simulate complex behaviors and relationships in design composition
Use Python to create dynamic motions and transformations in digital artwork

Skills you'll gain

Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms, Computer Graphics, Software Design, Python Programming, Technical Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Graphic and Visual Design, and Interactive Design

Creative Coding for Designers Using Python

Course 327 hoursView course

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

Skills you'll gain

Python Programming, Simulations, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Algorithms, Development Environment, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Creative Design, Generative AI, and Animation and Game Design