The Non-Designer’s Handbook Vol I.

This isn't just a handbook; it's the shortcut to:

Boost your confidence in design-related conversations.
Sharpen your visual communication skills across all platforms.
Improve collaboration with design and digital teams.
Develop a foundational "design literacy" (crucial for the 21st-century workplace).
Save time and frustration by finally understanding the design and digital jargon.
Uncover why such a simple word as "design" can cause so much confusion.
Master the language of colour, imagery, and typography.
Navigate the essential concepts of the digital landscape.
Develop a practical understanding of layout, hierarchy, and more.
Explore the crucial elements of user-centred thinking.

A self-paced learning adventure spanning five key areas:

Section 1: What is Design?
Section 2: Visual Foundations.
Section 3: Digital Foundations.
Section 4: Design Skills.
Section 5: Design for Humans:

I've seen firsthand the power of foundational design knowledge for non-designers, especially during my twenty years as a university academic in design and digital media, and through my PhD research on bridging the communication gaps between design and business. This handbook is a strategic selection of over 65 core concepts—the essential "transferable skills" that remain vital, regardless of how technology evolves.

Imagine effortlessly collaborating with designers, finally "getting" their language, and confidently articulating your visual ideas without becoming a designer. Think of it as your personal design decoder built on decades of expertise – an interactive guide packed with clear explanations and simple quizzes to track your progress. You'll be surprised at how much you already intuitively understand.

Looking to improve collaboration in your team or workplace?
Pair this handbook with the free AAVA Framework — a practical tool to build shared understanding when projects (or people) start talking past each other.