49-744 Visual Communication for Innovators

6 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of visual communication theory, help them make intentional design choices in various mediums, and develop hands-on skills through practice. Students will learn the basics of typography, color theory, layout, composition, and data visualization, and practice expressing their ideas by sketching, whiteboarding, and using modern digital design tools. Students will also learn to question the design choices as well as seek and provide effective feedback through design critiques. Other topics may include storyboarding, fundamentals of user interface design, design systems, and physical product prototyping. Students will create a variety of artifacts: concept posters, communication flyers, digital advertisement banners, data visualizations, brand identities, video storyboards, etc. This is a required course in the MIIAS and MIIPS degree programs. All other students must put themselves on the waitlist and contact the instructor for permission.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026, Fall 2025

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