Getting Started

Since the 1990s, the interest in digital literacy (hereafter DL) has been growing; DL collectively refers to the ability to survive in a digital society. However, the scope of DL is so broad that it is difficult to determine what should be taught and learned. In addition, several barriers exist, such as the need for knowledge of information design and skills in operating digital tools.


To address these problems, Hokkaido University and Adobe Corporation signed a joint research agreement in 2019 to develop open educational resources (i.e., resources that can be freely used by anyone) for use by educators who conduct DL education and learners who want to learn the basics of DL. We hope that you will find such materials useful in your own practice.

Abstract: Given changes in society, literacy skills are being rethought as practical skills that include information design using digital tools. In this section, we organize the types of study skills required in the future from the perspective of digital literacy.

Abstract: This open educational resource is supplementary for acquiring critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills using digital tools, which are emphasized in the context of digital literacy development around the world. In this section, we introduce the positioning of this educational resource for solving issues in digital literacy development and learning and the overall image of open educational resources.

Abstract: In this teaching material, new concepts and terms are explained individually based on the premise of a first-year college education. However, students need time to put unfamiliar concepts into their own words. The student may even lose track of where he or she found an explanation. In this section, we share a glossary of related terms that we update and add to as appropriate.

1. Deciphering Digital Products

Learning Objective: To explain the functions that make up a digital product using the Basic Principles of Interaction.

Abstract: Digital products use various components to guide our vision, actions, emotions, and experiences. What is the function of each visible component? In this course, you learn the perspective of considering the various "functions" embedded in digital products through the Basic Principles of Interaction.

Learning Objective: To use the basic principles of interaction to discover the constraints intended by the creator and explain them with specific examples.

Abstract: How are the impressions received from visual expressions and understandable content created? From what perspective do creators organize information and devise ways to deliver it to recipients? Through this material, you learn how to observe to decipher our interactions with digital products by using the Basic Principles of Interaction.

Learning Objective: To decipher the purpose of a digital product and explain, with specific examples, whether the function achieves its purpose.

Abstract: Evaluation is the process of determining the value of things. The scale for determining value is relative and varies depending on the purpose. Digital products are represented by a combination of various means to achieve a purpose. With this educational material, you learn how to evaluate the functional value of a representation after deciphering the purpose of a digital product.

2. Designing Digital Products

Learning Objective: To explain design as an activity to improve the status quo in light of designers’ desire to solve the “right problem.”

Abstract: Design is the process of changing the status quo into something more desirable. Whether written or visual, if you have ever imagined the reaction of others and thought of a way to better communicate your intentions, you have experienced design. During this course, we clarify the contours of the act of design and learn the perspectives that we should be aware of as creators.

Learning Objective: To use a point of view (PoV) to establish the problem to be resolved by design.

Abstract: The first step in design is to find the "right problem." We need to set goals such as what problems to address, what to resolve, and what to provide. In this course, you learn the process of organizing design requirements using worksheets and creating a standardized statement (Point of View: PoV statement) that answers these questions.

Learning Objective: To narrow down the direction of expression (= function and style) based on the purpose of design and offer it to others.

Abstract: Using this material, students learn how to explore the ideal form of digital products and determine the direction of expression. Expressions that meet people's needs are accompanied by functions and styles that suit their purposes. Here, we focus on users' experience with using digital products to achieve their goals; users learn how to define the functions and styles that are appropriate for their purposes.

3. Creating Digital Products

Learning Objective: To understand the culture of creating and sharing digital expressions and to appropriately use materials and work shared on the Internet.

Abstract: A lot of content is shared on the Internet, all of which are resources designed and published by others. Some are available for use, and some are not. During this course, students learn to understand the culture of creating and sharing digital expressions and learn perspectives for the appropriate use of materials and work shared by creators.

Learning Objective: To understand that digital images offer a variety of information and to choose to edit digital images to make the most of this information.

Abstract: Digital images are edited using two methods: image editing for creative purposes and image processing for research purposes. Although both have different purposes, they share the same essential approach of using the information in digital images without destroying it. In this course, you learn about the concept of making the most of information in digital images.

Learning Objective: To understand the digital data formats suitable for web and print media and to appropriately output digital images.

Abstract: In this material, we focus on the output of digital images and learn the differences in color modes between web and print media and points addressing how to output images at the optimal image resolution and image size for the usage scenario.

Last update date: 2022.03.31