Experimental methods of teaching computer graphics and design: Impact on the creative potential of higher education students

Introduction: The increasing global reliance on digital tools has elevated the demand for specialists adept in computer graphics and design, emphasizing the need for creative thinking and graphic competence. This study investigates the impact of experimental methods for teaching computer graphics and design on fostering the creative potential of higher education students.Objectives: The primary objectives include defining key concepts like "graphic competence," outlining its components, identifying stages of professional training, and evaluating the content, forms, methods, and tools used in developing graphic competence.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining theoretical analysis of educational models and practical experimentation in classroom settings. Data was collected through surveys, portfolio assessments, and reflective journals.Results: The findings highlight that incorporating activity-based, competence-oriented, and creative approaches significantly enhances students’ motivation, spatial imagination, reflection, empathy, and aesthetic taste. The staged training model—comprising search and research, practical and artistic, and formative phases—proved effective in cultivating graphic competence. Key results also show that integrating modern design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Blender, alongside tailored pedagogical methods, leads to improved professional readiness and innovative thinking.Conclusions: In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative role of experimental teaching methods in shaping not only the professional skills but also the creative self-awareness of students. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on designing effective educational frameworks for creative disciplines.