Information Design | Exercises

3/2/2025- xx/2/2025 / Week 1 - Week 3

Kerly Ooi / 0358726

Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Exercises 

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LECTURES

WEEK 1

 

WEEK 2

 

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 INSTRUCTIONS

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TASKS

Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information (10%) 

• Quantify raw data and visualize information as a photograph
• Visual representation of numerical data that allows for easy interpretation and analysis. 

We were to gather a set of objects and separate it into category such as color, shape, pattern, and other quantifiable factor. For example, a box of lego, jar of button, jar of marble ball, set of colourful rubber strap & more.

Other than that, we were also required to quantify our chosen objects and arrange them into a presentable layout or chart. The information must be presented as is, and you need to arrange the objects with relevant indicators written out with pens to help you to visualize the quantity and data. The examples of objects that can be use are buttons, coins, lego pieces,  and more.

Progress:

I bought 2 sets of coloured paper clips for this exercise. First I needed to arranged the data with the following ; Data, Sorted, Arranged, Presented Visually and Explain with a story.

Fig 1.1 Materials used (A3 papers & Paper Clips)

Fig 1.2 Data 

Fig 1.3 Sorted Paper Clips #1

Fig 1.4 Sorted Paper Clips #2

Then I experimented with different ways to display the information visually. Below are some of the various attempts I made at presenting them for clarity.

Fig 1.5 # 1 & 2 Attempt at Arrangement

Fig 1.6 # 3 Attempt at Arrangement

Fig 1.7 #4 Attempt at Arrangement

Fig 1.8 # 5 Attempt at Arrangement

SUBMISSION - Exercise 1 

I was like the scattered paperclips, there were too many options around me, not knowing what to choose. I tried to hold on everything at first, fearful of making the incorrect decision. But the more I looked, the more I understood not all of the decisions were for me. As time went by, I began to let go, removing the paths that weren't a fit. Slowly, my direction became clearer. At last, i discovered the final clip, the only path that truly belonged to me. 

Fig 1.9 Final Choice & Outcome

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

For this exercise, we were required to organize a group of information in a visual poster that has and utilize the minimum of 4 L.A.T.C.H principles. This was to be done digitally by picture editing/illustration software using a required requirement of having an output of A4 size poster. Re-use of images was allowed but we did have to create the remainder of the images to complete the poster.

LATCH stands for: 

    Location / Alphabet / Time / Category / Hierarchy

In this exercise, I decided to choose the topic of A Taste of Asia (Street Food Edition), presenting the street food trends among Asia through L.A.C.H. I used these 4 principles as my information for the poster.

L(Location) - Turkey, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India 

A(Alphabet) - Alphabetical order of the street food's name 

C(Category) - Types of food (Savoury, Sweet, Beverages)

H(Hierarchy) - Ranking from most to least popular street foods based on source from internet 

Visual reference

Here are some of the Pinterest references I explored before designing the poster.

     

Progress:

Photoshop

Before designing the poster, I look up in the internet and search up Asia map. Then, I first removed the background and cleaned out the text labels. I next converted the map to grayscale to create a more neutral base that would blend well with the overall design. Additionally, I applied layer effects such as Bevel & Emboss, Stroke, Colour Overlay etc for better viewing of the map.

Digitalization (Illustrator) 

After editing the map on photoshop, I then used Illustrator to add the remaining details. I highlighted specific locations, pinned and named them for better visibility, ensuring a clearer and more structured presentation.

First attempts

Below are my initial attempts at designing the poster, I began by collecting food and flag images on the internet, and proceeded to place them around the map. Then, I chose a font for the title and made a pyramid chart to indicate hierarchy. Additionally, I arranged the names of the foods in alphabetical order, used colour coding to indicate food groups, and included a textured background.

I also experimented with a bar chart to compare it with the pyramid chart, and I found that the bar chart provided better clarity and effectiveness in this case.

Second attempts

After receiving feedback from Mr Shamsul, I make changes to the needed. I explored different colour variations such as yellow, orange & cream etc. I played with different tones & gradients to find the most visual appealing combination. I also discovered that lighter colour work best for the overall design. 

Next, I explored different typefaces and searched for clipart-style street food backgrounds to enhance the poster. To maintain a balanced look, I reduced the opacity of the background, make sure that it complemented the design without being overwhelming.

SUBMISSION - Exercise 2

Final Outcome 

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FEEDBACK

Week 3

Exercises : 

Specific feedback : Mr. Shamsul suggested that the overall design appears a bit plain and could be enhanced by incorporating a coloured background, such as orange, to better align with the food theme. He also recommended improving the typeface selection, look for something more interesting. Additionally, adding a subtitle alongside the main title would help clarify that the content specifically focuses on Asia street foods. Lastly, the bar chart should include sources for better credibility. Other than these adjustments, the arrangement and colour choices are fine.

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REFLECTIONS

After completing these exercises, I’ve realized that creating an infographic poster requires a careful balance of clarity and engagement. The L.A.T.C.H. exercise was very helpful for learning various methods of organizing and presenting information. It provided an organised and efficient method to organise data while incorporating aesthetics to create an appealing and informative design.  These exercises improved my ability to present information in a clear, structured, and visually appealing way.