Information Design - Exercises

3.2.25 - 23.3.25  / Week 1 -  Week 7
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Aliah Farhana Binti Mohd Fauzi / 0357957

Exercises

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INSTRUCTION

Exercise 1 - Quantify & Visualise Data 

For this exercise, we were supposed to quantify our chosen items and arrange the objects into a presentable layout or chart. As per the guidelines given by our lecturer, I started to use "coins" as my data and sorted them based on the old to new coins, then arranged them based on the oldest to the newest date of production on 2 pieces of A3 paper.

Figure 1.1 The Data

The reason why I've chose these coins as my data was because I've been collecting coins money ever since I was a kid and these probably 1/4 amount of the coin in my piggy bank that I own. 

Figure 1.2 Sorting the data

At first, I decided to arrange the coins based on the amount and the materials of the coins. For an instant, the 20 cents that I own in these picture were divided by 3 categories which the first category were produced during 1900's, thus the material as well as the embossed on the coin was different than the second and third category. Meanwhile, the second category was produced starting during early 2000's until 2011 while the third category was produced starting 2012 until now. Apart from that, you can tell the difference between the old and the new money based on the picture, this is where the old money tend to have a matte finishing on the coin while the new money have a glossy finishing and even the are completely different for the 20 cent and 50 cent.

Figure 1.3 Arranging the data

But then after a few thoughts and after the feedbacks from Mr. Shamsul, I've decided to arrange the data based on the year of the coins was producing and this part I've arranged it both in the coins amount and the year of the coins production in one line.

Figure 1.4 Coin Timeline, JPG

Figure 1.5 Coin Timeline, PDF

Finally, I came up with coin timeline and from here I can tell what year that I've most collected coins and as well as I can tell the evolutions of the coins from which year to which. 

If based of this timeline alone, the most coin that I own was during the year of 2020 with the amount of RM 1.35 while the least was during the year of 1992 with the amount of RM 0.05. 

Besides that I also can analysed the beginning and the end of the production the coins, the oldest coin that I own in this timeline was during the year of 1988 and the second evolution starts during the year of 2001 and stopped producing during the year of 2011. While the latest design and colour as well as the material was produced during the year of 2012 until now. 

Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H (Location/ Alphabet/ Time/ Category/ Hierarchy)

Exercise 2 requires us to use the LATCH principles (Minimum 4) to mix and utilise a collection of information into a visual poster. We must put the information together into a LATCH infographic poster using the accessible digital photo editing and drawing software. Although we can reuse the photographs, we still need to make the remaining visuals to finish the poster.

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

Figure 2.1 Compilation of Matcha Information, PDF

Thus, as per the information above I've decided to make an infographic specifically about Matcha. Based on the information my infographic will focus on the origin of the matcha, matcha production process as well as the matcha grades and the uses of it. Therefore, I've fulfilled the requirements of to use max of 4 from the L.A.T.C.H principles.

L.A.T.C.H

Location : Matcha’s origins or regions (Japan, Uji, Kyoto)

Time : Matcha’s process

Category : Different types/grades of matcha

Hierarchy : Ranking of matcha grades (Ceremonial → Ingredient)

MOODBOARD

Figure 2.2 Moodboard, PNG

Based on the moodpboard that I've collected, my infographic will use the natural colours such as green, nude, brown, and white to give of the matcha and japanese vibes. I'll also will include a subtle design of Japanese patterns (washi texture, brush strokes) for aesthetics purpose.

SKETCHES

Figure 2.3 First sketching, PNG

Figure 2.4 Second Sketching, PNG

Figure 2.5 Third Sketching, PNG

Figure 2.6 Fourth sketching, PNG

PROCESS

Figure 2.7 Colour Pallete

Figure 2.8 Exploration on the font choices

Figure 2.9 L- Location Process

Figure 2.10 Positioning all the information

Based on this Figure 2.10, I've decided to use the layout on Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.11 First Design

Figure 2.12 Second Design

Figure 2.13 Before Feedbacks

FINAL SUBMISSION

Figure 2.14 After Feedback, PNG

Figure 2.15 Final submission, PDF

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FEEDBACKS

Week 3: Overall, the Figure 2.13 the alignment is fine but the composition is a bit off. Try to find the focus point and make it stand out.

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REFLECTIONS

Observation 

Through these information design exercises, I observed how structuring and presenting information effectively plays a crucial role in enhancing comprehension. Tasks such as journey mapping and organizing data using the LATCH principles—Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, and Hierarchy—helped me see how different methods can be used to categorize and display information in a way that makes it more accessible and meaningful. I also noticed how small design choices, such as layout and hierarchy, can significantly impact how easily information is understood.

Findings

While, one of my key findings from these exercises is the importance of visual appeal and accessibility. I realized that an effective design is not just about making things look good but also about ensuring that the audience can navigate and interpret the information effortlessly. Additionally, I found that data visualization, such as charts and graphs, plays a significant role in making complex information more engaging and digestible. These exercises reinforced the idea that well-organised information enhances user experience and improves communication.

Experience

Going through these exercises allowed me to experience the iterative nature of design. I had to refine my work multiple times, which helped me develop a better understanding of how to evaluate and improve my own designs. The process required patience and adaptability, as I had to make adjustments based on what worked best for clarity and effectiveness. Overall, these exercises provided me with a strong foundation in information design by bridging theoretical concepts with practical application, making me more aware of the critical role design plays in communication.