Graphic Design Role
The graphic designer works alongside the team, creating visuals and graphic pieces for the resources published. The graphic designer must ensure the images have the correct viewing resolution and consider accessibility requirements. They are responsible for crafting appealing and accessible designs that enhance the user’s reading experience.
Common challenges and solutions experienced by graphic designers can be found in the table below.
Challenge |
Possible Solutions |
| Low image resolution | When working with vector images .png files, verify the exporting options and make sure the resolution is set to medium 150 ppi with a white background (or transparent if needed). When working with images .jpeg files, select the medium-high resolution in the quality options while exporting. |
| Low colour contrast | Check the colour contrast with the tools online to see if they pass accessibility. |
| Image size and orientation | Try looking for the image online on open-source websites such as pexels.com, unsplash.com, pixabay.com, etc. If the image has a good resolution but the orientation does not match the design, try using Photoshop to extend the image with the help of Generative Fill (if the image is not complex). |
| Consistency in books | Keep a folder for each project, where you keep track of the colours used, the formats, and the cohesive typography. Share .png and .jpeg files, and keep the files in the original format archived in case of any changes to it. |
Workflow
The team meets when a new project is received to discuss the content and overall design. Ideally, the subject matter expert will have an idea about the overall design and what colours they want to see in the new resource at the beginning. The subject matter expert will then contact the instructional designer and request graphics. The instructional designer will put a request in the project management software (Asana), outlining the need and the timeline. Asana provides an opportunity for communication regarding creating new graphics to ensure efficiency.
As with any design assignment, the pieces go through a feedback cycle to be approved and posted in the publications, so time management plays a vital role in this process. It is important to have the pieces ready when needed. A great way to accomplish this is to follow the standards in sizes, resolution, and some formats carried along the way with the team. The weekly meetings and working closely with the team members will help clarify what the author wants in the book, as the pieces need to be cohesive and also accessible as they are added to it.
Graphics/Web Designer Student Job Description
The graphics/web designer role will receive direction from the project lead and instructional design team to meet faculty needs in building high-quality digital learning resources.
Responsibilities
- Collaborates with the Instructional Design team and faculty to conceptualize and execute creative design solutions in support of student learning.
- Provide proof to team members, make edits based on feedback, provide updates, and ensure final products are delivered on time.
- Ensures legal compliance with AODA web design and educational materials design for all materials created.
- Creates and adapts artwork for use across various media platforms.
- Sources stock photography where required.
- Maintain brand standards (where applicable) to provide a cohesive visual identity.
- Assist with building content on publishing platforms or in the learning management system.
- Assist with creating interactive content using H5P software.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills
- Comfortable working both autonomously and collaboratively with a team.
- Attention to detail is needed to produce high-quality products.
- Working knowledge of Adobe CC, Illustrator, Photoshop, and vector graphics is required.
- Working knowledge of HTML is preferred.
- Experience with UX design preferred.
- Preference is given to those studying in a graphic design, web design, or digital marketing program.
