Information Design - Exercises, FLIP Topics & Practical

6/2/2024 - 5/3/2024 / Week 1 - Week 5 
Adriena Tan Yan Zi (0351236)
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Exercises, Flip Topics & Practical 

 


Instructions


Exercise 1 - Quantify and Visualise Data 


Drafts and testing formations 


    Fig 1.1 Formation drafts 

During class, the lecturer was explaining on how we could category and arrange our formation. He was explaining to us trying make sure our layout has to make sense in the end. I was just trying different formations first to see which one speaks to my liking the most before adding the labels. The first one i was going for something IT or digital waves. The second one is just spiral, and then diamonds/gems for the second and third. Lastly, just a neat formation for a clean look.


Final Formation 
Final 1.2 Final Exercise 1

Finally, I decided to go for the spiral formation as my final and added information about the buttons to indicate the differences. I named the final art as "Conspiracy" as the unique spirals kind of resemble the confusion and mystery of any conspiracy theory. 




Final 1.3 Final revised version


Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H 

Research 


During our recent in-person class on Thursday, our instructor elaborated on the concept of L.A.T.C.H., outlining the essential elements required for an effective L.A.T.C.H. infographic. Following this explanation, I conducted a brief exploration to determine a suitable topic beyond the provided options of Pokemon and dinosaurs. Eventually, I decided to base my infographic on the popular cartoon show Adventure Time. Subsequently, I extensively researched and gathered data and inspiration for this chosen topic, consolidating all resources within an editable Google document.

Process 

Illustrating background 




Fig. 2.1 illustrating background and tree

Initially, after selecting the first sketch, I began outlining the shape of the tree to serve as the main container for all my content. This approach ensures that the information is organized within a designated space rather than scattered everywhere. The central location of the tree draws the audience's attention, prompting them to start reading the infographic from there.

Moving on to cropping and illustrating the locations within the tree connecting each kingdom with each other and blending the tree trunk to the building in the lowest kingdom which is the underworld "Nightosphere". 


Illustrating characters and elements 






Fig 2.2 illustrating characters

In my illustration process, I'm depicting the elements and characters necessary to convey the required information. Utilizing the pen and pencil tools and drawing inspiration from online examples, I've achieved a satisfactory result that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the infographic.

While this method may be more time-consuming compared to tracing or using pre-existing PNG images of characters, I believe it's the most effective way to ensure the elements are of the highest quality in terms of pixel resolution. This attention to detail ensures that the visual components maintain clarity and integrity within the infographic design.

As I neared completion, I included an illustrated signboard containing elements symbolizing the information conveyed, aiming for a clear and concise viewing experience. Placing it prominently in the top left corner ensures easy visibility. Additionally, I applied a wood-like texture to the signboard to seamlessly integrate it into the nature-inspired cartoon aesthetic of the infographic.

Final infographic artwork 

Fig 2.3 final infographic jpeg



                                                        Fig 2.4 final infographic pdf




Fig 2.5 Revised poster

According to sir's feedback, I tried to make the necessary changes like enlarging the location banner. I also added in the character's name underneath the characters that inhabit there. 


FLIP Topics 

Flip 1 (Group work) - Types of Infographic

Flip 1 (Group 4) - Types of infographic by Adriena Tan

Flip 1 (Individual work) - Re-designing infographic

During lecture on Week 1, the lecturer informed us that we will be working on a FLIP task each week both group and individual and that we have to take turn to present the next week. This week for our individual FLIP task, we were suppose to re-design a poorly design infographic using a free online tool. 

Fig. 3.1 Poorly Chosen poorly designed infographic 


Issues:
1. Over-crowded information 
2. Too many shades of colour incorporated 
3. Information not specific (for example from most data collected to least) 
4. Unappealing layout 
5. Repeating information without summarising 
6. Too plain of a layout to capture attention 
7. Too little indication graphic used 


Sketches 
Fig 3.2 Sketches 




Re-designing in Canva



Fig.3.3 Redesigning in Canva process

I decided to use Canva as my main redesigning which as I more familiar with this free software instead of others. Since the topic of this infographic is about data being collected every minute of the day, I wanted to use a electronic tool specifically a phone to contain most of the main information. Initially, I was contemplating between using a laptop or a phone graphic to contain all of the information, however I also thought of how i wanted the data info to range from the most to the least, top to bottom. In the end i reslove to using phone, contained all the main data in the phone not forgetting the colourful shades that were used in the poorly design inforgaphic, toning the colour down with a dark background and different shades of blues. 

I managed to summarise most of the information, and range them one by one from the most data collected app to the least before putting the information in. I also went on a journey to figure what ofont and colour would work well together yet still letting the information pop for easy understanding. 


Final Design 

Fig 3.4 Final Improved Design 



Flip 2 (Group work) - Saul Wurman's LATCH 

Flip 2 - LATCH by Adriena Tan
 

Flip 3 (Group work) - Miller's Law Chunking 

Flip Topic 3 by Adriena Tan
 

 

Flip 4 (Group work) - Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto

Flip 4 - Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto by Adriena Tan

Feedback 

Week 1
General feedback: Your layout design needs to have a meaning to it. 
Specific feedback: After the first layout, sir asked me to explore further before settling. 

Week 2
General feedback: We need to choose at least 4 out of the 5 categories to include in our posters. Pokemon theme is overrated and that we are encouraged to choose another theme. We should not only focus on the aesthetic part of the infographic, but also focus on the information parts as well. 
Specific feedback: Both layout is good but i should just choose the first as it is easier to understand. Planning out my research in a google doc is a good idea.

Week 3
General feedback: Sir asked us to capture the personality of the pasta grannies, from the colour, style, or hobbies these grannies could have and include it in our poster. 
Specific feedback: Go with the slanted layout cause he doesn't often see this kind of layout. I can also go with a frosty font for my title to indicate that the the chosen recipe is best consumed during winter. 

For exercise 2:
- Add character names 
- make the location names bigger
- make the year font bigger to utilize the space 


Reflection 

Engaging in these exercises has enhanced my ability to organize and categorize information effectively, enabling me to incorporate all essential details in a concise and clear manner. The exercises have particularly encouraged me to experiment with various layouts, allowing me to explore different arrangements for a single infographic. Many of my layout ideas were sparked by browsing Pinterest for inspiration.

Moreover, this process has taught me the importance of prioritizing information and arranging it efficiently. Rather than attempting to cram every piece of data into a single infographic, I now understand the value of selecting only the most relevant and necessary information. This approach prevents overcrowding and excessive use of color, making the infographic easier for viewers to digest and comprehend. Overall, these exercises have not only improved my layout skills but also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the importance of clarity and efficiency in visual communication.

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