Tools for Visual Design
READ ABOUT IT
Graphic design tools help users create visually appealing content and professional graphics quickly and easily.
Some tools simplify the visual design process by providing templates and branding kits.
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that offers a wide range of templates and assets to create everything from handouts to job aids to infographics to pitch decks. While many graphic designers hate Canva because it makes their job look easy, it is a great tool to create graphics quickly even if you have little to no design experience.
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a web-based design tool that allows users to create stunning graphics, web pages, and video stories. It’s part of Adobe’s suite of tools, providing a simplified interface with powerful design capabilities.
Tools like Canva and Adobe Express make it easy to create quick visuals for a variety of situations. These are great tools to have in your back pocket to quickly generate a graphic – especially if you prefer working with a template to spark your creativity.
EXPLORE THE OPTIONS
Graphic Design Tools
Canva
Canva makes graphic design easy with plenty of templates, graphics, and images. You can create everything from documents, to slide shows, to IG stories.
They have a FREE tier, and their Pro version has even more options.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express has beautiful templates that allow people of all skill levels to create stunning graphics and video stories with just a few clicks. You can edit photos here and even schedule content. There is a 30-day free trial.
EXAMINE SCENARIOS FOR USE
When would these tools be used in learning and development?
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Use Canva to design cover images for each lesson in an eLearning module on digital marketing strategies. The cover images will make it clear what each lesson is about while visually engaging the learner.
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Use Adobe Express to develop a visual course outline for a leadership development program. The outline will allow learners to picture their learning journey and anticipate key milestones.
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Use Canva to create visual summaries for each chapter in a training manual on project management. These summaries will highlight key concepts and steps, making the key information easily accessible.
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Use Adobe Express to design high-quality visual aids for a course on instructional design models. These aids will illustrate various instructional strategies and frameworks, enhancing understanding and retention of the course material.
PRACTICE USING A TOOL
Get your feet wet! Choose one of the tasks below to complete.
If you don’t already have access to the paid tools, stick to the free options. The purpose of this practice activity is to get a better understanding of the options that are available to you.
Task 1
Create a one-pager that outlines eLearning best practices.
Task 2
Craft an infographic that visually explains how to overcome imposter syndrome.
REFLECT ON WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED
Reflect
In what situation would it be more appropriate to use a template in Canva or Adobe Express rather than visually designing a resource from scratch?
When, if ever, would using a graphic design tool like Canva be inappropriate in an instructional design setting?