ID403BKK
Design Language: Typography and Layout
Faculty
Maya Tansey
UX/UI and Visual Designer
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of typography and layout through hands-on exercises, short lectures, demos, and critiques. Topics span across principles of design, type anatomy & classification, information hierarchy, and grid systems across print and digital formats. Students will explore how to work with type expressively and effectively using tools like Illustrator, InDesign, and Figma. The course builds a solid design foundation in visual communication.
Learning highlights
- Understand type anatomy, classification, and how to choose fonts with intent.
- Design clear and engaging typographic hierarchies across different formats.
- Apply layout principles including grids, alignment, rhythm, and spacing.
- Build print- and screen-based projects using Illustrator, InDesign, and Figma.
- Analyse and improve legibility, readability, and composition in visual design.
- Apply core typography and layout skills to real-world design challenges.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
Principles of Design.
Project 1 brief: Typographic Poster.
Session 2
Type Anatomy & Classification.
Session 3
Type Selection & Pairing.
Session 4
Legibility & Readability.
Session 5
Project 1 Critique.
Session 6
Information Hierarchy.
Project 2 brief: Publication Design.
Session 7
Grid Systems.
Session 8
Baseline Grid & Vertical Rhythm.
Session 9
Responsive Layouts & Screen.
Session 10
Typography for Screen.
Session 11
Typographic Systems.
Session 12
Progress Critique & Studio Time.
Session 13
Progress Critique & Studio Time.
Session 14
Progress Critique & Studio Time.
Session 15
Final Critique & Self-evaluation.
Course materials
Books
Prerequisites
This course is open to anyone interested in graphic design and typography.
There are no required skills, however, basic knowledge of design tools (e.g. Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) would be helpful.
Methodology
Short lectures and demos.
In-class exercises.
Two main projects over the course of 3 weeks.
Critiques and group discussions.
Articulating design decisions.
Grading
Awards
- Gold winner 2025 in Education for Social Change
Indigo Design Award
Maya Tansey is a UX/UI and Visual Designer based in Barcelona. Having lived in both China and the U.S., she brings a global perspective to digital experiences that inform, connect, and drive action. From branding to web design, her work helps international clients across sectors communicate with clarity and impact. Outside of her design practice, Maya also teaches visual design to help emerging designers build strong, thoughtful foundations.
See full profileApply for this course
Design Language: Typography and Layout
by Maya Tansey
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Sep 29 - Oct 17, 2025
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.