Information Design - EXERCISES

6/2/2024 - 26/3/2024
Ameera Rihana binti Remy Ansara
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media Exercises


INSTRUCTIONS



LECTURES

Week 1
Throughout this week, we had a brief discussion about the module itself and started with a few exercises to get a further scope on the topic.


Fig 0.01 Exercise and Assignment Briefs (05/2/2024)

Afterwards, we divided ourselves into different groups in order to settle our FLIP session for the upcoming future. We started off with our first topic: 
Different type of infographics & online tools


Fig 0.02 Flip Topic 1 (05/2/2024)

Week 2 (FLIP WEEK)
This week, we started off with our lecture by presenting the types of infographics tasked by our lecturers accordingly to our respective groups. We created a presentation slide to explain the characteristics, the meaning behind it, the examples and the importance of each infographics that was stated based on our extensive research.

Based on our feedback, presentation wise still needs a bit more of work but our examples for each infographic is spot on and accurate.


Fig 0.03 Flip Topic 1 - Group 2 (13/2/2024)

Once we ended the presentation, we continued our discussion with the lecturer about the next topic to present about a new term called "L.A.T.C.H". This was designated for our next task, Exercise 2 which we will work on throughout the upcoming week.


Fig 0.04 Flip Topic 2 - L.A.T.C.H (13/2/2024)

Week 3 (FLIP WEEK)
In the third week, we started presenting FLIP topic 2 (LATCH). Then, we proceed with our next FLIP topic called Miller's Law (Chunking). At the same time, we discussed the starting of our project 1 based on our chosen video on a YouTube Channel called "Pasta's Grannies". Our presentation went on a hit by taking notes on our previous mistakes.

Fig 0.04 Flip Topic 2 - Group 2 (20/2/2024)


Fig 0.05 Flip Topic 3 - Miller's Law (20/2/2024)

Week 4 (FLIP WEEK)
We began presenting the next topic called " Miller's Law (Chunking). Then, our lecturers assigned us with the next task as the final FLIP topic called Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto. Our lecturer proceed explaining the terms and rules for our Project 2.

Fig 0.06 Flip Topic 3 - Group 2 (28/02/2024)


Fig 0.07 Flip Topic 4 - Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto (05/03/2024)

Week 5 (FINAL FLIP WEEK)
To end off with a bang, we presented our final topic, Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto. We continue to progress our project 2 and showcased our storyboard progression of Project 3 throughout the whole semester. We were informed to animate a short, simple storyboard animation.


Fig 0.08 Flip Topic 4 - Group 2 (05/03/2024)


EXERCISES

Week 1

Exercise 1: Quantify and Visualize Data

Quantify Objects
Quantify (count) chosen items and arrange the objects into a presentable layout or chart. Take a picture and submit!

Keep it simple, present the information as clear as possible and as interesting as possible. Aesthetic is the key but so does information delivery!

Requirements Information must be presented as is. You are required to arrange the objects  with relevant indicators written out with pens to help you visualize the quantity and data. Take a picture of the final assembly and upload into your E-portfolio and Google Classroom.

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1) Progression Visualizing

Brainstorming:
In order to fully visualize and capture the bigger picture, we tested ourselves with different arrangements of our chosen object to create our desired data based on the acquired information and creativity. My desired object for this exercise will be coins. Firstly, I tested out the arrangements and took a few pictures for extra references and potential layouts.


Fig 0.1 Attempted arrangement (coins)

Visual Reference:
To gather more inspirational ideas, I began to observe and collect visual references that have similarities and potential clues to set up my own data by emphasizing on the information and the visualization.


Fig 0.2 Visual Reference

Data Planning:
Before I begin the proper layout, I gathered specific data that I could implement into the imaginable infographic. I listed down the information and drew a rough sketch regarding the visualization and the placements of the data.


Fig 0.3 Data Planning


Fig 0.4 Updated Data

Layout Progression:

Fig 0.5 Layout Process #1

Fig 0.6 Layout Process #2

Fig 0.7 Layout Process #3

Fig 0.8 Layout Process #4

Fig 0.9 Layout Process #5

2) Final Outcome (Quantify and Visualize Data)
For the final outcome, I added some refinements and accidental missed information into the data. I decided to name my data "Numismatist" which directly means coin collector. This graph depicts my perseverance of collecting Malaysia coins both old and new since I was at a young age. Not only does it served as a currency, the coins portray various historical events when comparing old coins and new coins based on the design. This show numerous transformations have unfolded throughout my journey.
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Fig 1.0 Final Outcome (Numismatist)


Week 2

Tutorial: 
Location / Alphabet / Time / Category / Hierarchy
Organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (Minimum 4)
These are a few of the suggested compiled data you can use or, you can pick any topic you want:
  • Pokedex
  • FFX1V Bestiary
  • Dinosaur
Links:

Requirements: Size resolution: 1240 × 1750 pixels or 2048 × 2048 pixels

Use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the Pokemon into a LATCH infographic poster. You can re-use back the images of the monsters but do create the rest of your visuals to complete the poster.

Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H

Reminder:
Location / Alphabet / Time / Category / Hierarchy
Organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (minimum 4)

Requirements: Size resolution: 1240 × 1750 pixels or 2048 × 2048 pixels
Use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the Pokemon into a LATCH infographic poster. You can re-use back the images of the monsters but do create the rest of your visuals to complete the poster.
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1) Progression

Data Gathering:
To create an infographic poster based on the L.A.T.C.H principle, we are free to pick any topic we desire out of the suggested topics or think outside the box. My chosen topic for this exercise will be about Pokedex. By scrolling through many websites on the internet, I gathered some potential data and arranged them in specific categories by keeping the L.A.T.C.H principle in mind.


Fig 1.0 Data Gathering

I organized my information into three different groups which are A Group of Pokemon's Generation, Type of Rarity in Pokemon and Battle Arena Pokemon.

Based on my feedbacks, the information are acceptable and can be implemented into the poster but simplification is needed because there is too much information and too little time to include everything.

Visual References:


Fig 1.01 Inspo mood board

To further my deeper understanding, I looked up on different isometric infographic posters to gather inspiration.

Fig 1.02 Mood board

I created a mood board regarding to isometric illustrations to visualize the outcome of the islands.

Tutorial videos:
Since I was inexperience designing my poster in isometric form, I decided to look up for tutorial videos on YouTube to discover simple tricks and techniques.


Fig 1.03 Skills for isometric design


Fig 1.04 3D Floating Island

Sketches:
With the information I had written, I proceeded by sketching a few diagrams to visualize infographic poster.

Fig 1.1 Sketching Infographic Ideas

Fig 1.2 Class Type Symbols

Pokemon are widely known for their class type and abilities. Therefore, I decided to divide them by using symbols and sketched them based on visual references and observation.

Digital process:
For this exercise, I decided to go for my #2 sketch idea, the battle arena of Pokemon. To start off with the digital process, I began with the class type symbols for the chosen Pokemon.


Fig 1.3 Class type symbols

a) Color palette:

Fig 1.4 Color palette

I had a bit of trouble choosing the color combination that complements one another. Therefore, I did a bit of exploration of colors by using some help from Color Hunt.

b) Isometric layout:


Fig. 1.5 Rectangle grid tool

Firstly, I started planning out the measurement by using a rectangle grid tool, using the transform tool from the window's panel to get a desirable angle.


Fig. 1.61 Isometric illustration #1


Fig. 1.62 Isometric illustration #2


Fig. 1.63 Isometric illustration #3

Therefore, I began digitalizing my isometric blocks follow accordingly to the grids for each Pokemon's location based on the information and the sketches. I added different colors and elements to represent different regions.


Fig 1.7 #1 Layout Progression

Moving on, I began placing down a pokemon in each block and designing the infographic by using speech bubbles to insert the characteristics or information for each pokemon.


Fig 1.7 #2 Layout Progression

Once I finished the data placement, I began reusing the logo and designing the topic by implementing an arcade-like font and using special effects to form an arc. I adjusted the arc to make it look presentable.

Fig 1.7 #3 Layout Progression

I figured that the background color looks a little plain. To solve the problem, I used the gradient tool to add different blend of colors by choosing soft and cool color tones.

Fig 1.7 #4 Layout Progression

To make some final adjustments, I added some minor decorative elements and missed information to form the complete infographic poster.

2) Final Outcome (Infographic Poster)


Fig 1.8 Final Poster JPEG (Pokemon Battle Arena)


Fig 1.8 Final Poster PDF (Pokemon Battle Arena)

3) Final Outcome Infographic Poster (Improved)
I had decided to make more changes to the poster because I felt the fonts were too small, the alignments were quite awkward, and realized that there were some potential changes that can be made. I tried to make some adjustments on the label and accentuate it for location.

Fig 1.8 Final Poster JPEG Improved (Pokemon Battle Arena)

Fig 1.9 Final Poster PDF Improved (Pokemon Battle Arena)

FEEDBACK

Week 1:
General Feedback:
 
Keep design principles in mind when arranging the objects (exercise 01). Think of how the chart will be visually presented to the viewers.
Specific Feedback: The coin layout is good. Just a suggestion, maybe you could make it into a vertical position. You can refer to the examples.

Week 2:
General Feedback: 
Mr. Shamsul suggested we should focus more on elaborating the relationship between the topic and the examples. Make sure to develop the idea from sketches. Keep in mind the given time of each exercise is 1 week, keep things simple but make sure the information is there.
Specific Feedback: The idea and the information is there but try to simplify it to make it less complicated. A few extra sketches would help to process the final idea. 


REFLECTION

Experience: The starting of the learning process has been valuable and interesting. Through this project, I was able to learn some isometric illustration techniques which proofs to be more simpler than I expected. It does require a certain amount of time and practice as it comes to illustrating and putting your mind onto the perspective of an object. However, it can be therapeutic and gives off a feeling of satisfaction when you have the full result. 

Additionally, I have learnt how to apply the L.A.T.C.H principle and how essential it is to organizing data when it includes infographic. It helps us to focus our attention on key aspects that need to be addressed. This exercise trains us the key of patience and observation through organizing thus planning proper data.

Observation: Through my observation, infographics allows for visual story telling, where complex information is presented in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. This includes noting areas where the infographic may be unclear or where additional information is needed to enhance understanding.

Findings:
Sketching out ideas and planning beforehand gives better results compared to jumping straight to the point. Regarding to collecting data, making a slight mistake could effect the infographic as a whole.

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