Design Foundations Design Foundations is an introductory course in which students study the design elements and principles necessary for the appreciation and production of artworks, as well as forming the basis for developing composition. Objectives include studying the appreciation of art, understanding the characteristics and potentials of many tools and processes, appreciating the importance of art in everyday life, developing individual capabilities including creativity and originality, and learning to visually and verbally express thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Design Foundations is a prerequisite for all other Visual Arts courses.