Graphic design is one of those topics and skills that a lot of new (and experienced) eLearning designers struggle to master. However, I’ve always believed that graphic design is a critical component to creating an engaging eLearning course.
Whether you’re new to eLearning, or you’ve been designing eLearning courses for years, and looking to improve your graphic design skills, here are my top graphics design books for eLearning designers.
Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte
Slide:ology by Nancy Durate is my bible and one of the best graphic design books I recommend to any eLearning designers. Interestingly, Slide:ology isn’t really a graphic design book, but instead, a book on presentation design. However, Nancy does a great job explaining the basics of graphic design, focusing on layout, animations, and visual communications—skills that directly relate to good eLearning design.
Visual Design Solutions by Connie Malamed
Visual Design Solutions by Connie Malamed is another one of those awesome graphic design books perfect for learning professionals. In her book, Connie focuses on how graphic and visual design can help elevate (or worse, detract from) your learning content. If you’re looking for a graphic design book, written specifically for learning professionals, this is an excellent choice!
The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams
Finally, The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin William is my third entry of top graphic design books for new eLearning designers. In this book, Robin does a fantastic job explaining the basic concepts of graphic design, in a straightforward and easy-to-read format. Robin also includes simple exercises to help you develop your “eye” for graphic design.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of your experience with graphic design, knowing how to apply the basics of graphic design is an important component of being a solid eLearning designer. What other graphic design books would you recommend for eLearning designers? Share them by commenting below!