Information Design - Exercise 1 & 2

Information Design: Exercises, FLIP Topics & Practical

February 07, 2024

08/02/2024 - /03/2024 / Week 1 - Week 

GU QIANKUAN / 0369385

Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor’s University 

Exercises, FLIP Topics & Practical

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data

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

4. FLIP Topics

5. Practicals

6. Feedback

7. Reflection

---

                                                 Fig 1.1 Module Information

Google slide

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ezbYwqH2Z7e-BK6I5JkasnPRqF_bpct4z5E444QI-Ew/edit?usp=sharing

---

Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data

For week 1 classes, we are required to bring either a jar of buttons,Legos, coins, M&Ms, or a bug out bag in order to quantify it and arrange the objects into a presentable layout or chart. I have chosen a set of coins to arrange with.

Fig 1.2 Module Information

Firstly, before I started to arrange them, I began with data sorting and arrangement, enabling me to understand all the data that I have so that I could think of a better way to visualize it. Additionally, I counted the quantity of each type of coin that I have.

Fig 1.3 Module Information

Fig 1.4 Module Information

After trying out several ways of presenting them, I feel that presenting them by chart is the most efficient and easiest way to present them clearly. I arranged and separated the coins by denomination and quantity. Furthermore, I labeled the denomination and quantity of each coin. Below is the picture of the final outcome.

---

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

On week 2, we are introduced to our second exercise which is L.A.T.C.H exercise. Basically, we have to organize a group of information into a visual poster that combined and utilizes the LATCH principles (location, alphabet, time, categories, hierarchy).

We are provided several suggested compiled data like Pokedex, FXIV Bestiary and dinosaur. I have chosen Pokodex and started to proceed with data collection during the class. Other than that, I have also find some visual reference online to get some inspirations on layout and the design style I am going to work with.

Based on the visual references I found online, the theme of my infographic will incorporate a 3D style inspired by the Alola region. This will include pixelated elements and simple layouts featuring basic boxes and text.

Before I proceed to work on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, I have done a draft of the infographic's layout and the information that each principle represent.

"I've also been searching online for a lot of Pokémon information regarding their evolutions and attributes, which will be included in the infographic."

"And also some names of locations on the map and the types of Pokémon that appear there."

"Finally, here's my plan: I'll create four maps, each marking a Pokémon (including its evolutions). I'll use markers to indicate their locations, and in the bottom left corner, I'll provide descriptions of their attributes, similar to my sketch."

In this infographic, some Pokémon are categorized by their location, attributes, and evolutionary hierarchy. Information about the Pokémon on the different islands is labeled.          

Size resolution:2048 × 2048 pixels

---

FLIP Topics

FLIP 1: Different types of infographics & online tools

Group task

，作者 QIANKUAN GU

Individual task - Re-design poorly constructed infographic poster

During the initial week of the course, we are tasked with our inaugural FLIP individual assignment: selecting a free online infographic tool and reimagining a poorly constructed infographic poster through our independent experimentation with the chosen tool. Additionally, we are required to offer our personal assessment and critique of the online tool, evaluating its difficulty, intuitiveness, usefulness, available design templates, and customization options.

Here is the chosen poorly designed infographic: Resume infographics

Issues:

• "The elements are overly complicated."
• "The elements are overly juvenile and not suitable for an adult resume.
• Texts are hard to see (All bold)
• Inconsistent formatting or layout that makes it difficult to read.
• "The information is too complex and needs to be simplified for clarity.

Fig 1.5 Module Information

First, I have chosen a Resume infographics template from Canva as shown below:

Fig 1.6 Module Information

I made some adjustments based on the five shortcomings mentioned above，

Fig 1.6 Module Information

Flip 2: L.A.T.C.H.

 Filp Topic 2 Brief PPT：

Below is our infographic presentation PPT :

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDGgu-LuGr7UZddWrcyArXc5amGYoNPU/view?usp=sharing

Ppt 4.1 Types of infographics by group 2 slides  week 1

Flip 3: Miller's Law

Miller’s Law (Blocked)

In the third week of class, Mr. Fauzi introduced us to Miller’s Law.

We were asked to gather information and give a presentation on 3 given topics, which were;

1. Well-designed infographics

2. UX/UI, web pages, applications, games (screen-based)

3. Process

Filp Topic 3 Brief PPT：

Below is our infographic presentation PPT : 

   Flip 4  : Manuel Lima’s 9-Point Manifesto

“The purpose of visualization is insight, not pictures”

In this class, my group and I gave a presentation on Manuel Lima’s Manifesto of 9 Instructions and listened to presentations by other groups. Through this lecture, I learned the importance of organizing information in an effective manner so that it can be easily understood by the target audience.

The nine directive declarations include:

1. Form follows function

2. Interaction is key

3. Cite your sources

4. The power of narrative

5. Don’t sugarcoat aesthetics

6. Look for correlations

7. Hug time

8. Desire for knowledge

9. Avoid gratuitous visualizations

10. Examples of Effective and Ineffective Infographics

 Filp Topic 3 Brief PPT：

---

Feedback

Exercise 1 - Data Organization & Visualization: Mr. Shamsul praised the meticulous arrangement of data, emphasizing its clarity and thoroughness.

Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H: The incorporation of each principle is aptly executed with pertinent information. The layout is satisfactory and devoid of major concerns.

---

Reflection

Completing my semester in Information Design feels incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. This major has provided me with a deep understanding of visualizing and conveying data effectively, by crafting graphics, charts, and graphical interfaces to present complex information clearly. Throughout this period, I've not only learned to use various design tools and software but also cultivated critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Collaborating on projects with classmates taught me the importance of teamwork, and continuous feedback and improvement have helped me refine my design abilities. My experience this semester has ignited a passion for the field of information design within me, and I look forward to further exploring and applying what I've learned in the future to create meaningful design works for society.