INFORMATION DESIGN: WEEK 1-4

21/4/2025 - 16/5/2025 (Week 1 - 4)

Alicia Lo Yann Wei (0357917)

Information Design / Bachelor of Mass Communications in Digital Media Production (Hons)

Lectures and Exercises

JUMPLINK

1. INSTRUCTION
2. LECTURES
3. EXERCISES
4. FEEDBACK
5. REFLECTION

1. INSTRUCTION

2. LECTURES

Week 1: Introduction to Information Design

In Week 1, we were introduced to the module and got a quick overview of what to expect. Our lecturer walked us through the assignment brief and gave us a glimpse into what information design is all about. 

Week 2: Types of Infographics 

Infographic helps in communicating ideas and turning complex information into something visual and easy to understand.

Types of Infographics

• List infographics - Visually engaging way to present written information in a structured list
• Statistical infographics - Visually represent the information using pie charts, bar graphs, and etc. 
• How-to infographics - Visually breaks down step-by-step instructions so it's easier to follow compared to long blocks of text
• Timeline infographics - Visually presents events or steps in chronological order, using icons and illustrations to make the information clear 
• Comparison infographics - Visually shows the differences and similarities between two or more options
• Map and location infographics - Visually present location-based or demographic data to understand geographical information at a glance
• Flowchart infographics - Visually guides viewers through a step-by-step process
• Process description infographics - Visually simplifies and communicates complex technical information by highlighting key steps, breaking them down, and grouping them by category 

Week 3: L.A.T.C.H Theory

L.A.T.C.H theory helps in organizing infomration effectively and meaningful. 

L - Location 
A - Alphabet
Alphabetically organize the content by grouping information
T - Time
Uses the temporal nature of content and mostly been used in social media websites
C - Category 
Organizes content through groups by groups with reference to the website or audience
H - Hierarchy
Arranges the information by any order, such as, size, cost, popularity and etc. 
Organizes information based on its location and also gives a spatial order to the content.

Week 4: Miller's Law of Memory

The retention span for this short-term information is usually no longer than 30 seconds.

1. The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two

Most human brains can hold no more than approximately seven items in short-term memory at a time, people tend to forget or lose track of some of the information.

2. Validating Miller’s Rule: The Paradox of Choice

Having too many options can lead to confusion or decision paralysis as human brain only can processes just a certain amount of information. 

3. The Art of Refining Options

Simplify and streamline information to help the audience process it more effectively. Human brain only focus on essential content and present it in a way within the limits of short-term memory.

3. EXERCISES

3.1 Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information (10%) 

For this exercise, we were asked to quantify (count) a set of small objects like buttons, Legos, coins, or M&Ms, and sort them into 2–5 categories such as color, shape, size, or pattern. The goal was to turn raw data into a visual layout or chart using the actual objects. 

For my submission, I chose to use different colourful yarn and sorted out into 3 categories.

Figure 3.1.1 Colourful Yarn

To begin, I sorted the yarn colours based on tone—dividing them into darker and warmer shades. From there, I further categorized them into two seasons: Spring and Autumn. While I initially considered representing all four seasons, I decided to keep it simple with just two. This makes the overall composition more focused and gives me more flexibility when compiling the final informative poster.

Figure 3.1.2 Seasons of Colour

Secondly, Mr. Fauzi suggested that I explore using colours to represent emotions. Since I had a wide variety of yarn colours, I developed a more specific theme titled 'The Psychology of Colours'. From this point, I began researching and understanding how each colour is commonly associated with certain feelings or psychological responses. For example: red represents passion, love, anger, danger and etc. 

Figure 3.1.3 Psychology of Colours

Then, I came up with the idea of using the 0–360° hue scale to help differentiate the colours more clearly. This made it easier for me to see where each colour sits on the colour wheel — like how reds are around 0°, blues near 240°, and so on. I liked how it added a bit of logic to balance out the emotional and seasonal meanings I was already exploring.

Figure 3.1.4 Hue Classification

Final Task 1: Exercise 1 - Quantifiable Information

After dividing the colours into Spring and Autumn, I wanted to go a little deeper. I noticed that even within each season, the colours had different vibes. So, I grouped them again into smaller categories:

• Soft Spring – These are pastel, gentle tones that feel calm and dreamy. I had 6 yarns that fit this category.
• Light Spring – These colours were brighter and more cheerful, like sunlight. I placed 4 yarns here.
• Cool Autumn – These had a cooler, muted tone. I counted 5 yarns in this group.
• Deep Autumn – These were the boldest and richest shades, giving a very grounded and intense feel. I had 4 yarns here.

After sorting the yarns by seasonal tones, I started noticing how each colour gives off a certain feeling that matches the season. 

• Red, yellows and oranges felt cheerful and full of energy, reminded me of Spring.
• Blue, purple, and green tones gave off a peaceful, calming mood, often felt closely connected to the Autumn vibe. 

Then I had another idea — what if I mapped these yarn colours on a hue circle from 0 to 360° (like a colour wheel)?

So, I marked their hue range on the circle:

• Spring colours mostly fall between 60°–300°, which includes lighter greens, pinks, and purples.
• Autumn colours also sit in that range, but they're deeper and warmer, with richer reds, oranges, and greens.

I placed each yarn on the circle according to its hue and used that to visualize the full colour spectrum. It helped me clearly show the difference between the two seasons while keeping everything on one unified poster.

Figure 3.1.5 Final Task 1: Quantifiable Information

3.2 Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H Infographic Poster (10%)

For Exercise 2, we're asked to use any illustration software to assemble the information into a LATCH-based infographic poster. While I was allowed to reuse some existing images, I created the remaining visuals myself to complete and personalize the final poster design.

The following posters served as visual references and inspiration for my final design. 

Visual Reference #1

Figure 3.2.1 Visual Reference #1

Visual Reference #2

Figure 3.2.2 Visual Reference #2

Visual Reference #3

Figure 3.2.3 Visual Reference #3

Visual Reference #4

Figure 3.2.4 Visual Reference #4

Strengths/Weaknesses

Visual Reference #1

This reference effectively organizes the nutritional values of tomatoes, making it easy to identify each nutrient. However, it lacks a clear visual indicator of which nutrient is the highest. The overall design could benefit from stronger visual hierarchy to improve readability and engagement.

Visual Reference #2

I personally like how the information is creatively placed inside each tomato, which adds a fun and thematic touch. However, it lacks a clear title or label explaining what the information represents. Additionally, the text size is quite small, which may make it difficult or unappealing for readers to go through.

Visual Reference #3

Similar to Reference #2, this one also does not include a clear title, which weakens the informational structure. On the plus side, it does a good job of illustrating the growth timeline of a tomato, and the benefits are nicely integrated around the plant, creating a pleasant visual flow.

Visual Reference #4

This reference stands out by clearly highlighting key information that the audience would be most interested in. The color scheme is clean and effective, making the content visually appealing. However, its biggest limitation is the scope of information, as it focuses only on tomatoes in Florida, which restricts its usefulness for a broader audience.

Planning my Infographic Poster Based on the Inspiration with L.A.T.C.H Principles

Before starting my sketch, I organized all the information to ensure the LATCH principles were clearly integrated into my design. Based on the reference poster I selected, I applied each LATCH component as follows:

• L – Location: Top tomato-producing countries

• A – Alphabet: Types of tomatoes

• T – Time: Life cycle of a tomato

• C – Category: Grouping of nutrients and tomato types

• H – Hierarchy: Ranking of vitamins and minerals from high to low

3.3 PROGRESSION OF L.A.T.C.H INFOGRAPHIC POSTER

1. Sketches

To begin, I explored various infographic poster layouts to help me visualize the overall composition. I noticed that many infographics followed a left-to-right layout, so I decided to adopt that structure to fit in my content more efficiently.

Figure 3.3.1 Infographic Poster Layout 

Using Reference 2 as inspiration, I started by illustrating a bunch of tomatoes with the Pen Tool and placed the vitamin/mineral information inside the graphic for clarity. Originally, I intended to draw a world map to show tomato-producing countries, but I realized it might take up too much space. Thinking creatively, I opted for a bar chart, which more effectively presents the production values.

For the types of tomatoes, I combined illustrations and categories to make the section visually engaging and easy to understand. Finally, I wanted to include the growth timeline of a tomato. My initial plan was to format it like Reference 3, but I eventually decided that a circular timeline would be more visually appealing and intuitive for the viewer.

Figure 3.3.2 My Sketch

2. Digitalization 

First of all, I found a reference image of a bunch of tomatoes to guide my illustration in Adobe Illustrator. I placed the drawing on the left side of the poster to serve as a visual focal point and draw the viewer’s attention immediately.

Figure 3.3.3 Elements of Infographic Poster

Next, I searched online for images of different tomato varieties to help me illustrate both the types of tomatoes and their life cycle. 

Figure 3.3.4 Types of Tomatoes

Figure 3.3.5 Life Cycle of a Tomato Plant

I also selected a color scheme inspired by various tomato shades to ensure the overall design felt cohesive and visually appealing. I make these into digitalization. 

Figure 3.3.6 Colour Scheme & Planned Out Infographic Poster Elements

After gathering my visuals, I began by placing the information and color elements on the left side of the poster. I used red for the title of my first LATCH element to create emphasis and visual consistency with the tomato theme. I also arranged the vitamin and mineral content in hierarchical order, highlighting the high Vitamin C value.

Figure 3.3.7 Colouring Left Side of Poster

Next, I completed the illustrations on the right side of the poster, ensuring balance in both layout and visual flow. 

Figure 3.3.8 Colouring Right Side of Poster

Finally, I enhanced the overall aesthetic by adding shadows and subtle details to make the design more visually appealing and polished.

Figure 3.3.9 Add Shadows & Details

3.4 Final Outcome - Part 1: Infographic Poster

 

Figure 3.4.1 Final Outcome 

Figure 3.4.2 Final Outcome In PDF

4. FEEDBACK

Week 2: Mr. Fauzi suggested that I explore colours based on emotions and present them in a flowchart format. 

Week 3: Mr. Fauzi gave me encouraging feedback on my progress.

Week 4: He reviewed my progress and mentioned that it’s good to go, and encouraged me to continue with the current direction.

5. REFLECTION

Exercise 1: For this exercise, I initially struggled to sort the colourful yarns into different categories since they were all similar in length and size and the only thing that stood out was their colour. I wasn’t sure how to approach it at first, but after spending some time browsing inspirations on Pinterest, I finally came up with a concept I was happy with. In the end, the whole process turned out to be quite fun and rewarding.

Exercise 2:  This exercise challenged me in combining all the LATCH elements cohesively into a single infographic poster. It was difficult to balance visual appeal with informational clarity, especially when trying to organize diverse data types like geographic locations, timelines, categories, and nutritional hierarchies. I struggled with fitting everything in without making the layout feel cluttered or overwhelming.