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Short course

Introduction to Colour, Material and Finish Design Online Short Course

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Introduction to Colour, Material and Finish Design Online Short Course | Online
Design with emotion. Explore colour, material, and finish for functional and emotional impact. Practice trend forecasting, material storytelling, and palette design. Gain analytical skills and confidence to integrate CMF principles.

Course description

Course overview

Design is emotional. The physical features of a design affect us more deeply than we realise. There is not only form and shape to consider but also colour, material and finish. As designers, how can we start applying CMF strategies that will help us create a stronger emotional connection with the products that we create?

In this course, you will understand how to design for our five senses and apply the principles of colour, material and finish at the early stage of your design process to support both the functional and emotional attributes of your designs.

We will look at trend forecasting of colours and materials, creating material stories based on trend and consumer research, and designing colour palettes for specific materials. You will receive personal feedback on all your work.

Who this course is for

This introductory course is ideal for designers or students (textile design, fashion design, product design, or interior design) who want to develop new skills and knowledge of the CMF design process, whether this is to enable them to apply for further study, apply for a CMF position, or work on a specific project where CMF design skills are needed.

Key information

Topics covered

  • CMF as a design profession.
  • Colour design and theory from a CMF perspective.
  • Material design and sourcing.
  • Perception and tactile aesthetics.
  • Design thinking and brand strategy from a CMF perspective.
  • Trend research and forecasting.
  • Storytelling in a CMF board.
  • Pre-production of colours and materials.
  • Each week, a new concept will be presented followed by a practical assignment you will complete during the week to help you put your knowledge into practice.

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the course you will have a better understanding of;
  • The CMF design process.
  • The difference between trend and fashion.
  • The deep influence and importance of colours and materials.
  • The behaviour of colour and what affects their perception.
  • How to conduct trend, market and visual research from a CMF perspective.
  • How to make colour schemes and source materials that are appealing for consumers.
  • How to tell a story by developing CMF boards.
  • How to develop a concept and talk about colour and materials in a compelling language.
  • e narratives into your Infographic designs
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

Course Specific Materials:

  • Paper and pen to take notes
  • Printed material (fashion design magazines, interior design magazines, photography, etc.)
  • A3 sketchbook
  • Art materials you are confident using (pencils, coloured pencils and markers, paints, etc.)
  • Coloured acrylic paint/gouache/inks (optional)
  • Scotch tape, masking tape, and double-sided tape
  • Mount board
  • Scissors or scalpel
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick or PVA glue

Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.

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