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Information Design | Exercises

03.02.2025 - 22.02.2025 / Week 1 - Week 3
Khu Ying Ying / 0357306
Information Design / GCD60504 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Exercises

TABLE OF CONTENTS









LECTURES

Week 1 (03/02/2025)

Type of Infographics

Infographics:
  • Communicate ideas visually using different infographics to simplify information, enhance presentation in design and marketing, increase engagement, and capture the audience’s attention.

Types of Infographics:
  • List Infographic
    • Combines written content with visual elements to convey a message effectively.
    • Uses design elements to enhance readability and make statistics more impactful.
Figure L1.1: List Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Statistical Infographic
    • Uses charts, graphs, and visuals to simplify data representation.
    • Percentage radials and branded illustrations enhance readability and capture attention.
Figure L1.2: Statistical Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • How-to Infographic
    • Visually explains steps to solve a problem or complete a task.
    • Simplifies processes without overwhelming the viewer.
Figure L1.3: How-to Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Timeline Infographic
    • Visually appealing, informative, and versatile.
    • Uses icons and illustrations to represent each point along the timeline.
Figure L1.4: Timeline Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Comparison Infographic
    • Visually compares and contrasts different options.
    • Presents alternatives side by side to highlight key differences.
Figure L1.5: Comparison Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Map/Location Infographic
    • Used to present location-specific/demographic data.
    • Popular among companies and organisations for visualising geographic information.
Figure L1.6: Map/Location Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Flowchart Infographic
    • Visually represents a sequence of steps/actions.
    • Guides users clearly through a process, making it more relatable.
Figure L1.7: Flowchart Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

  • Process Description Infographic
    • Visually outlines key steps and actions in a process.
    • Break down technical information into clear, categorised steps.
Figure L1.8: Process Description Infographic, Week 1 (03/02/2025)

Week 2 (10/02/2025)

L.A.T.C.H Theory

LATCH Theory:
  • Richard Saul Wurman’s Theory: All information can be structured using these methods for better clarity.

5 Ways to Organise Information:
  • L (Location)
    • Organises information by spatial order for easier navigation.
    • e.g. Mall directory maps, world maps, museum floor plans.
Figure L2.1: Location, Week 2 (10/02/2025)

  • A (Alphabet)
    • Organises content by alphabet, making it easy to group and search. 
    • Ensure labels align with user understanding.
    • e.g. Dictionary, phone contacts list, encyclopedia.
Figure L2.2: Alphabet, Week 2 (10/02/2025)

  • T (Time)
    • Organises content chronologically, useful for tracking recent events.
    • e.g. Social media timelines, project timelines, historical timelines.
Figure L2.3: Time, Week 2 (10/02/2025)

  • C (Category)
    • Organises content into meaningful groups based on relevance to users. 
    • Tools like Card Sorting help define user-friendly categories.
    • e.g. E-commerce websites, streaming platforms, recipe websites.
Figure L2.4: Category, Week 2 (10/02/2025)

  • H (Hierarchy)
    • Arranges information by order like size, cost, and popularity to show priority or ranking.
    • e.g. Online shopping filters, top 10 rankings, leaderboards.
Figure L2.5: Hierarchy, Week 2 (10/02/2025)

Week 3 (17/02/2025)

Miller's Law of Memory

  • Communication Challenges:
    • Interruptions can disrupt message retention and understanding.
Figure L3.1: Communication Challenges, Week 3 (17/03/2025)

  • Memory Limitation:
    • Short-term memory holds about 7 items (±2) for approximately 30 seconds, after which information is often forgotten.
Figure L3.2: The Magical Number 7, ±2, Week 3 (17/03/2025)

  • Choice Paradox:
    • Miller’s Law highlights the limits of short-term memory and information processing.
    • Retaining and understanding all information isn’t always possible, especially with overwhelming options.
Figure L3.3: What You See vs What You Remember, Week 3 (17/03/2025)

  • Refine Options:
    • Our brain can only process a limited amount of information at once, often struggling to retain everything.
    • Breaking information into smaller chunks helps the brain work within the limits of short-term memory, aligning with Miller’s Law.
Figure L3.4: Refine Options, Week 3 (17/03/2025)

Week 4 (24/02/2025)

Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto

  • 1) Form Follows Function:
    • The design should focus on explaining data to generate insight.
    • Visualisation should address a specific query.
  • 2) Interactivity is Key:
    • Encourages investigation and learning by enabling user-driven exploration.
  • 3) Cite Your Source: 
    • Always disclose where your data originated.
  • 4) The Power of Narrative:
    • Humans love stories, so turn information into storytelling to make it engaging and memorable.
  • 5) Do Not Glorify Aesthetics: 
    • Aesthetics should enhance functionality, not be the primary goal.
  • 6) Look for Relevancy: 
    • Ensure the visualization serves a meaningful purpose and is relevant to the audience.
  • 7) Embrace Time:
    • Recognise time as a crucial element in organizing data and improving decision-making outcomes.
  • 8) Aspire for Knowledge: 
    • Translate information into knowledge to enhance understanding and support cognitive processes.
  • 9) Avoid Gratuitous Visualisations:
    • Visuals should enhance understanding, acting as a cognitive filter, not adding unnecessary complexity or noise.

INSTRUCTIONS

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qcvWirpSKBZb3TJZ9au3HDMinhAGDMQ3/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

EXERCISE 1: QUANTIFIABLE INFORMATION

Week 1 (05/02/2025)

Requirements:
  1. Gather a set of objects such as buttons, coins, Lego pieces, M&Ms, etc.
  2. Separate the objects into categories such as colour, shape, pattern, and other quantifiable factors. 
  3. Arrange them into a presentable layout/chart. 
  4. The information must be presented as is, and the objects must be arranged with relevant indicators.

Submissions:
  1. Photo of the random objects before sorting them out.
  2. Objects sorted out by categories (2-5 categories).
  3. Write and design the information on A3/A4 paper.  

Progress:

Exploration

Before starting this exercise, the only materials I had were Skittles and NIPS (both candies). 
Figure E1.1: Materials - Skittles & NIPS, Week 1 (05/02/2024)

Initially, I didn’t have a clear plan for arranging them into a presentable layout, as I only had a few ideas in mind during class. Without overthinking, I simply arranged them intuitively, labeling them by colour, flavour, and size.
Figure E1.2: "Skittles & NIPS" Layout 1 - Colour, Week 1 (05/02/2024)

Figure E1.3: "Skittles & NIPS" Layout 2 - Flavour, Week 1 (05/02/2024)

Figure E1.4: "Skittles & NIPS" Layout 3 - Size, Week 1 (05/02/2024)


For my next attempt, I decided to use buttons instead of candy to avoid the issue of stickiness, which made labelling on paper a disaster. 
Figure E1.5: Materials - Buttons, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

I also searched Pinterest for layout inspiration to guide me in organising the buttons effectively.
Figure E1.6: Moodboard, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Based on my observation of the buttons, I categorised them by colour, size, material, and pattern. I then sketched out a table to help clarify the categories and give me a clear vision of how to organise them.
Figure E1.7: "Buttons" Layout - (Draft), Week 1 (07/02/2024)

I realised that I had made some mistakes during the categorisation process in Figure E1.6, so I made the necessary corrections and finalised the layout in Figure E1.8.
Figure E1.8: "Buttons" Layout (Final), Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Final Submission of Exercise 1

Figure E1.9: Final Submission of Exercise 1 - Quantifiable Information (PNG), Week 1 (07/02/2024)

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

Week 2 (12/02/2025)

Requirements:
  1. Organise a group of information into a visual poster that utilises at least 4 L.A.T.C.H principles. 
  2. Use the digital photo editing/illustration software to assemble the information.
  3. Can reuse the images but must create the rest of the visuals.
Submissions:
  1. The size resolution is A4.

Progress:

A Simple Coffee Guide

I began by asking ChatGPT for topic ideas that could use the LATCH principles. I decided on "A Simple Coffee Guide" and then researched them. For Version 1 (initial version), I worked on LATC and drafted some ideas. However, I realised it was difficult to make connections between them (not gwenchana anymore).
Figure E2.1: Research (Initial), Week 2 (12/02/2025)

Figure E2.2: Draft (Initial), Week 2 (12/02/2025)


Then, after receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul, he mentioned that the information for my topic was fine. He suggested removing T (Time) to create a better connection between the categories and replacing it with H (Hierarchy). Besides, for C (Category), he suggested adding additional information about regions to enhance the context. So, for my L.A.T.C.H:
  • L (Location): Coffee Origins - Where coffee beans are grown.
  • A (Alphabet): Type of Coffee Drinks - Organised A-Z.
  • C (Category): Coffee Roast & Caffeine Levels - Light roast = High caffeine.
  • H (Hierarchy): Coffee Strength Ranking - From mildest to strongest.
Figure E2.3: Research (Updated), Week 3 (16/02/2025)

These were the visual references for my moodboard.
Figure E2.4: Moodboard, Week 3 (18/02/2025)

I explored three different layout concepts for the sketches:
  • Four-Section Grid Layout (x2): I divided the sections unevenly while clearly labelling each based on the topics.
  • Integrated Infographic Layout (x1): This layout is similar to the grid layout but designed to look like information pinned on a detective board, with connecting lines linking the sections.
  • Coffee Cup Concept (x1): The design incorporates a coffee cup, with steam separating the sections to left and right, while the title is placed within the steam.
After consideration, I found Sketch 1.1 to be the most preferable because it feels more organised, as it follows a clear sequence that naturally guides the viewer through the information. 
Figure E2.5: Sketches, Week 3 (18/02/2025)

I used Adobe Illustrator to create the poster based on Sketch 1.1 as a draft to get an overall view, allowing me to assess whether any visual elements needed to be added or changed.
Figure E2.6: Digitisation #1, Week 3 (18/02/2025)

Mr Shamsul said my poster was good to go but advised me to ensure it looked visually appealing. So, I searched for colour palettes that complemented the coffee theme.
Figure E2.7: Digitisation #2, Week 3 (21/02/2025)

I chose Colour Palette #4 as my final selection for my poster. Then, I readjusted the font size, icons, and information placement to ensure better readability and visual balance. 
Figure E2.8: Digitisation #3, Week 3 (21/02/2025)

Here is a comparison between the initial and final versions of my poster.
Figure E2.9: Digitisation #4, Week 3 (21/02/2025)


Credit (Freepik):
[1] World Map: Link                 
[2] Coffee Stain: Link

Week 3 (22/02/2024)

Final Submission of Exercise 2

Figure E2.10: Final Submission of Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H (PNG), Week 3 (22/02/2024)

FEEDBACKS

Week 2 (12/02/2025)

Specific Feedback: The information was well-structured. Remove T (Time) and replace it with H (Hierarchy) to improve coherence. Then, do research and incorporate regional information for C (Category) to enhance depth and clarity.

General Feedback: Can use illustration software like Canva, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and other design tools to create the poster.

REFLECTIONS

Experience
This was my first time working on information design, and it turned out to be more challenging than I expected. Organising and categorising information while ensuring it remained visually appealing and concise was not as straightforward as I initially thought. Finding the right balance between clarity and aesthetics requires careful decision-making. I just hope that the requirements are clear from the start and come with the right information, without any last-minute changes.
Observation
List all the information and categorise it using the LATCH principles. Then, replace words with icons or images where possible to make the content visually appealing and less overwhelming for viewers.

Findings
Simplifying content without losing key details was challenging but essential for maintaining engagement and accessibility.

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