Information Design - Exercises 1 & 2

Information Design - Exercises 1 & 2

02.03.2025 - 02.15.2025 / Week 1 - Week 2

ZHANG HANYUAN / 0363727

Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Exercises 

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LIST

• Instructions
• Lectures
• Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data
• Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H
• Feedback
• Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Lectures

Lecture 1

Lecture 2

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Exercises 1-Quantifiable Information

Quantify data and visualize it to analyze and categorize objects into intuitive information layouts.

Require：
Gather a set of objects and separate it into category such as color, shape, pattern, and other quantifiable factor.
Example:

• Box of Lego
• Jar of button
• Jar of marble ball
• Set of colourful rubber strap

In this exercise you're 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, M&Ms, and more.

For the first week of class, we were asked to bring a jar of buttons, Legos, coins, M&Ms, or a shelter bag in order to quantify it and arrange the items into a displayable layout or diagram. I chose a group of coins to arrange.

DATA

Arrangement process

The final visual presentation I wanted to create was to mix all the coins together to form a footprint pattern.

-《Opportunities always come to those who are prepared》

• The largest coin (50 cents): Represents major breakthroughs or key efforts, such as important life decisions or achievements.
• Gold-colored coin (20 cents): Symbolizes growth, learning, and significant milestones of progress.
• Silver coin (10 cents): Represents steady progress and continuous effort, each step pushing you forward.
• Silver coin (20 cents): Symbolizes challenges and adaptability, reminding us to adjust when facing difficulties.
• Small silver coin (5 cents): Represents small daily efforts and habits, which may seem insignificant but lead to great change over time.

Each coin is a part of the journey, reminding us to move forward step by step with determination.

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Exercises 2- L.A.T.C.H

Information Visualization Poster

1. Organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (Minimum 4). 

2. You are required to use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the information into a LATCH infographic poster. 

3. You are allowed to reuse back the images but you have to create the rest of visuals to complete the poster.

OBJECTIVE: Create a visual infographic poster that uses at least four LATCH principles to organise information: location, letter, time, category, hierarchy.

REQUIREMENTS: size resolution: 1240 x 1750 pixels or 2048 x 2048 pixels.

1.Inspiration

Fonts: IBM Plex Sans Condensed

I found a font from Google Scholar

2.Process

Sketch

I started with two sketches.

I then chose to use the format of the first sketch for the infographic because I wanted to make a dinosaur infographic for land, water and air. The first sketch was easier to stand out.

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Digitalization

L (Location): Asia

A (Alphabet): Terms for each dinosaur are listed in alphabetical order

T (Time): Cretaceous

C (Category): Timeline // Flying Animals, Land Animals, Marine Animals

After that, I used Adobe Illustrator to create an A4 frame with a resolution of 1240*1750 based on the sketch I made in advance.

Then use Photoshop to cut out the image you want to use.

I originally planned to use a black and white vector image, but later I thought that the physical version might be more expressive.

3.Final poster

PDF

JPEG

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Feedback:

week 1-Mr. Fauzi showed us the statistics that the seniors had done using coins.

week 2-No feedback given（No class）

Reflection:

Experience

In the first exercise, I used physical coins of different sizes and colors to create a footprint shape, symbolizing progress and determination. Each coin represented different aspects of effort, challenges, and achievements. Writing an explanation alongside helped reinforce the concept. The hands-on nature of this approach made it engaging and creative.

For the second exercise, I designed a digital infographic using Photoshop and Illustrator, focusing on the "Dinosaurs' Timeline." The layout was structured into categories (Flying, Land, and Sea Animals), using detailed illustrations, text labels, and color coding to distinguish between herbivores and carnivores. The digital tools allowed for precise alignment, clear hierarchy, and a visually appealing design.

Observation

The coin-based infographic was a tactile and symbolic way to represent ideas, but the physical arrangement had limitations in terms of clarity and contrast. The footprint shape was effective, though some coins blended together. The background and lighting also influenced the overall presentation.

In contrast, the digital infographic offered more control over composition, clarity, and text integration. The use of structured layouts, color schemes, and shadows helped create a sense of depth and readability. The ability to refine elements digitally made it easier to convey complex information clearly and effectively.

Findings 

These two exercises highlighted different strengths in infographic creation. The physical approach allowed for creative symbolism and engagement, while the digital method provided greater precision, organization, and visual impact. A well-balanced combination of text, imagery, and structure enhances information delivery. Both approaches reinforced the importance of composition, contrast, and storytelling in visual communication.