Visual Design Primer Part 5: Design Resources to Help You Learn More

Over the past few posts we've covered a lot of ground in design principles and foundation ideas like color theory. And we've only begun to scratch the surface!

The truth is, design is a field that is part science, part craft and part art form. And one of best aspects of design work is that you are never finished learning. There are always new ideas to introduce, and new aspects of design to study up on and bring into your own work.

So, if the last few posts have whet your design learning appetite, here are some great websites to help you continue on your learning journey.

Color, Typography, and Design Resources

Worqx.com
This site, the brainchild of Web designer/developer and self-proclaimed 'color enthusiast' Janet Lynn Ford, is a great place to begin learning about color. The website gives a general overview of color theory and provides an in-depth color tutorial. More specifically, it explains how color is communicated, and provides information about color application. There is also a wonderful little palette picker tool for trying out your own color combinations. Be sure to check out Peter Piper's Palette Picker.

Adobe Labs Kuler
This site is created by and for designers--to explore, create, and save color themes following the principles of color theory. You will need an Adobe ID. These swatches can be saved to your Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Val Casey's Notes on Visual and Interaction Design
Designer Val Casey's site on color and design for the web is spare and image-free, but has many links to other sites illustrating the points she makes.

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design
This article by designer Jason Beaird illustrates the design process, defines design elements, and offers tips for inspiration (available as a book too).

A List Apart
A List Apart Magazine explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on web standards and best practices.

Graphic Tools Tutorials and Articles

Here are some great places to go for information, tips, tutorials and other help when using specific graphic and web design tools.

Web Design Library: Designer's One-Stop Resource
This site contains articles and tutorials to help you learn more about using Flash, Swish, Photoshop, HTML, CSS and other tools for web design.

Entheos
This site includes tutorials on using Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Photoshop and more tools for web design.

Flash Kit: A Flash Developer's Resource Site
Flash Kit includes lots of tools and tips for Flash developers, including tutorials.

HotScripts.com
This site contains scripts, components, menus, and other tools that can be downloaded and used in your work.

HTML Goodies: The Ultimate HTML Resource
This site is full of information about HTML, including tutorials.

Know of any other great web sites that deal with design? Share them using the comments.

Happy learning!

Chris Van Wingerden is Vice President Learning Solutions at dominKnow Learning Systems