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Beyond Basic CSS

Typography, Color, Effects, & Animation

William Mead

In this course, you’ll learn how type communicates and how styling and organization of written content affects the message. You’ll look at advanced features of web fonts and see how type designers are taking the fields of digital type to the next level. Then, you’ll learn about color, color theory, and the practice of using color in your digital products and work with color by exploring gradients, other effects, and work to create a website using techniques learned in this course. Finally, we’ll wrap up the course by learning how to create animations in CSS using transitions, 2d and 3d transformations, as well as keyframes to create sophisticated animations on the web.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Typography and Managing Cognitive Load

Welcome to the course! In this first module, we will start talking about typography. It is often said that 90% of web design is typography, so understanding the basics of how type communicates and how the styling and organization of written content affects the message and speaks to your audience is super important. Let’s get started!

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Teaches fundamental principles of typography, which is essential for effective communication in design

Covers advanced features of web fonts and explores innovative approaches in digital typography

Provides a comprehensive understanding of color theory and its practical applications in digital products

Introduces CSS animations, showcasing techniques for creating engaging and sophisticated web experiences

Emphasizes accessibility and cognitive load, ensuring inclusive and effective communication through typography

Involves hands-on project work, allowing learners to apply the concepts and techniques learned throughout the course

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Reviews summary

Advanced css for creative web development

According to students who seek to go beyond basic CSS, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced styling and animation. Learners appreciate the detailed coverage of typography and web fonts, along with practical insights into color theory and accessibility. The course's focus on visual effects, including gradients and shadows, prepares students for creating engaging web designs. A significant highlight is the module on CSS animation, covering transitions, transformations, and keyframes, which allows for the creation of sophisticated user experiences. While students find the content generally relevant and well-structured, a solid foundation in basic CSS is a prerequisite for success.

Covers current and relevant CSS developments.

"The course introduces exciting developments for using color on websites through CSS."

"I found the animation techniques using keyframes and easing very up-to-date for modern web design."

"The content seemed relevant to contemporary web development practices."

Focuses on hands-on application and projects.

"Building a complete website in Module 3 helped me apply all the concepts practically."

"I appreciated the emphasis on creating sophisticated animations for real web pages."

"The practical demos made it easier to understand how to implement the techniques."

Explores key advanced CSS concepts in depth.

"I found the detailed explanations of advanced web fonts and color theory particularly useful."

"The course really dives into visual effects like gradients and drop shadows, which I've wanted to learn."

"It covers complex topics like 2D and 3D transformations and keyframe animations thoroughly."

Assumes a foundational understanding of CSS.

"I learned that this course is truly 'beyond basic' and requires solid CSS fundamentals."

"It's not for absolute beginners; you definitely need to know basic CSS before starting."

"Learners should ensure they have a good grasp of core CSS properties beforehand."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beyond Basic CSS: Typography, Color, Effects, & Animation with these activities:

Refresh Typography Basics

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Review the fundamentals of typography, such as font families, typefaces, and text styles, to strengthen your understanding of the subject matter covered in this course.

Browse courses on Typography

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Review articles on typography principles
Analyze different typefaces and their impact on web designs

Read 'The Elements of Typographic Style' by Robert Bringhurst

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Expand your knowledge of typography by reading Robert Bringhurst's seminal work, which provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of typography, enhancing your understanding of the subject matter covered in this course.

Show steps

Read the book
Take notes on key concepts

Practice Typographic Design

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Engage in regular practice of typographic design through exercises, such as creating typographic posters or designing website layouts, to improve your skills and solidify your understanding of the principles covered in this course.

Browse courses on Typography

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Find typographic design exercises online
Experiment with different typefaces and layouts
Seek feedback on your designs

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Explore Advanced CSS Techniques

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Follow online tutorials to learn advanced CSS techniques, such as using CSS preprocessors, creating custom CSS frameworks, and implementing advanced layout techniques, to enhance your web design skills.

Browse courses on CSS

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Identify and select relevant CSS tutorials
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Implement the learned techniques in your web design projects

Design a Website Layout

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Create a detailed website layout that incorporates the principles of typography, color theory, and CSS animations covered in the course to demonstrate your understanding of these concepts and improve your design skills.

Browse courses on Web Design

Show steps

Plan the website's layout and structure
Select and implement appropriate typography
Apply color theory and CSS animations

Develop a Website Prototype

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Create a prototype of a website that incorporates the principles of typography, color theory, and CSS animations covered in the course to demonstrate your understanding of these concepts.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Plan the website's layout and structure
Implement typography and color schemes
Incorporate CSS animations and transitions
Test and refine the prototype

Assist with a Web Design Project

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Volunteer your skills in typography, color theory, and CSS animations on a web design project to gain practical experience and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Identify volunteer opportunities
Contact organizations and offer your assistance
Collaborate on web design projects

Build a Personal Portfolio Website

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Create a personal portfolio website that showcases your skills in typography, color theory, and CSS animations to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas and build your professional online presence.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Plan the website's content and structure
Design and implement the website
Incorporate interactive elements, such as animations and transitions
Publish the website and promote it

Career center

Learners who complete Beyond Basic CSS: Typography, Color, Effects, & Animation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beyond Basic CSS: Typography, Color, Effects, & Animation.

Cascading Style Sheets

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Is the official specification for CSS. It comprehensive reference for web developers who want to learn everything about CSS.

Beyond Basic CSS

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Advanced css for creative web development

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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