Information Design | Exercises 1&2

4th February 2025 - 28th March 2025 (Week 1 - Week 7)

Wang Yifan /0368363

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

Exercises 1 - 2

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INSTRUCTIONS

Module Information Booklet (MIB)

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LECTURE

Week 1 Lecture 1 - Types of Infographics

Week 2 Lecture 2 - L.A.T.C.H Theory

Exercise 1 - Quantifiable Information

Requirements:

For this exercise we supposed to quantify our chosen items and arrange the objects into a presentable layout or chart. I decided to go with fluffy color deco balls.I sorted them first by color and then arranged them in order of quantity and percentage on an A3 sheet.

1. Arrange the objects in a structured layout to clearly present the data.
   
   
2. Label and annotate the display with relevant indicators using pens or markers to help visualize the quantities.
   
   
3. Photo 1: Random objects before sorting.
   
   
4. Photo 2: Objects sorted into categories (2-5 categories).
   
   
5. Photo 3: Final presentation with written information on paper, showing the categorized data.

First, I spread the hairballs out, messy and without any sorting.

Fig 1.1 - Fluffy color balls collection - （6/2/25）

Then, I arranged them according to their color using a histogram.

Fig 1.2 - Balls sorted out by colors -（6/2/25）

I then sorted them in a polyline form from most to least numerous.

Fig 1.3 - Balls sorted out by quantity -（6/2/25）

I tried to plot the percentage of each color in a pie chart.

Fig 1.4 - Balls sorted by quantity-（6/2/25）

Final Outcome :

For poster layout. I thought of the theme "Rainbow Social - Network Sentiment Analysis". I provided different social media sentiment information for 6 colors, based on network users' emotional expressions, comments or social trends.

Fig 1.5 - Final Look (Hearing the rainbow) - （6/2/25）

Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H.

In exercise 2, we have to organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (Minimum 4). We are required to use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the information into a LATCH infographic poster. We are allowed to reuse back the images, but we do have to create the rest of your visuals to complete the poster.

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

I decided on the architectural wonders of the world as the theme for this exercise. First, I listed the key messages I wanted to include in my infographic poster. I categorized the buildings based on when they were built, such as ancient, medieval, modern, and modern. At the same time, I organized information such as the building’s name, location, construction year, building type, etc. to present the LATCH principle more clearly.

Gather Information & References

L.A.T.C.H

L (Location): Global

This infographic focuses on architectural wonders from around the world, showcasing iconic structures across different continents.

A (Alphabet): Each architectural wonder is listed in alphabetical order

The buildings are arranged alphabetically by their names for easy reference.

T (Time): Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Contemporary

The timeline categorizes buildings into Ancient (Before 476 AD), Medieval (476 - 1500 AD), Modern (1500 - 19th Century), and Contemporary (20th Century - Present).

C (Category): Timeline // Government, Religious, Skyscraper, Monument, Museum, Entertainment

Each building is classified by function, such as government buildings, religious structures, skyscrapers, monuments, museums, and entertainment venues.

 

visual reference

After I listed the information, I headed to Pinterest to find some infographics to use as a visual reference. Initially, I focused more on timeline infographics because I planned to place the information along a timeline. I then also searched for other types of infographics, such as geographic infographics, because I realized there are several ways to arrange information.

 

Fig 2.1 visual reference

 

 

Sketches

After researching visual references, I started sketching. For the first sketch, the information is divided by timeline (colonial, industrial, modern, contemporary) and government buildings, religious buildings, skyscrapers, monuments, museums, entertainment buildings. I think this is a more direct way to categorize and present information.

Fig 2.2 Sketches 1

 

In the second picture, I divided the information along a timeline and listed the type, location, period, etc. next to it. I think this would be more cluttered because all the information would be listed around the circle and it would look very compact.

Fig 2.3 Sketches 2

 

For the third sketch, I added a map at the top and categorized the architectural wonders according to a timeline. The map serves as a legend to help clarify information (location) about each building below.

Fig 2.4 Sketches 3

 

After deciding to continue working with Sketch 1, I made a new sketch based on the style of Sketch 1, but with a slightly different arrangement.

Fig 2.5 Sketches 4

 

Digitization

Before working on the visuals, I first arranged the informational text to see how much space they took up within the 1240 × 1750 pixel artboard size.

Fig 2.6 Arrange information table

 

After laying out the information, I started looking for the visuals I wanted to include in the poster. I look for backgrounds that match the architectural style, such as stone textures or historic paper textures. Additionally, I used architectural photos with lower transparency and placed them in the background to enhance the sense of depth. 

Fig 2.7 Infographic Poster - Attempt 1

 

When I tried it for the first time, it felt very messy, with no clear divisions and no clear divisions between timelines. The text was messy and very compact.

On my second try, I adjusted the arrangement of the timeline and changed the font to make it look clearer.

Fig 2.8 Infographic Poster - Attempt 2

 

For Attempt 2, I thought it looked too crowded and the picture was not taken lightly, but rather made the scratches cluttered.

In the third attempt, I adjusted the size and arrangement of the text, adjusted the transparency of the pictures so that users can intuitively see the photos of the buildings, and also adjusted the order of the pictures to make the pictures more vivid.

Fig 2.9 Infographic Poster - Attempt 3

 

Fig 2.10 Overall Infographics Design Process

 

Final L.A.T.C.H Infographic Poster

Fig 2.11 Final L.A.T.C.H Infographic Poster

  

 PDF Of Final LATCH Infographic

REFLECTION 

From this exercise, I have learned how to visually represent numerical information in an effective way. While it may appear simple, arranging data requires careful consideration of factors such as distribution, relationships, and overall organization. This process has given me a greater appreciation for the importance of selecting appropriate visualization methods to ensure accurate and meaningful data presentation.

The L.A.T.C.H. Infographic Poster exercise helped me grasp how to organize and present information effectively using the L.A.T.C.H. framework. A major takeaway from this task was the significance of identifying and outlining key details before designing the poster. By determining the most relevant content, I was able to categorize the information appropriately. Through the use of clear headings, distinct visual elements, and a logical structure, I created a visually appealing and easy-to-understand poster.