Information Design - FLIP Classroom

on

06/02/2024 - 05/03/2024 / Week 1 - Week 5
Joey Lok Wai San / 0350857
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 
FLIP Classroom 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


INSTRUCTIONS


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vsT3i_BBJM3lcoV3hFITLJNwFaFSBLsx/preview

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uAzNNkAmSi-72VvpFz3Q2_c_EaPRVZvT/preview


FLIP TOPICS

FLIP 1: Types of Infographic & Online Tools

Group Task: Research on types of infographics
In a group, we were tasked to find out what are the different types of infographics, the kind of information they’re applicable for, and an example for each identified type.

Fig. 1.1 Types of Infographics by Group 4 - Slides, Week 2 (13/02/2024)
Individual task: Re-designing an infographic poster
We were instructed to re-design one poorly constructed infographic poster through our own experimentation using a free online infographic tool. We are then required to give our own personal rating and review of the online tool used - in terms of difficulty and intuitiveness, usefulness and choices of design templates.

Fig. 1.2 Chosen poorly designed infographic poster, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Issues:
  1. Too many font styles
  2. Low colour contrast 
  3. Minimal text without explanations/instructions 
  4. Poor visuals of the step-by-step process (no contrast in the arrows)

Fig. 1.3 Low colour contrast, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

I created a few sketches to re-design the infographic poster. 

Fig. 1.4 Rough sketches, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

I decided to use the first sketch to re-design the poster, using Canva as my online infographic tool. 

Fig. 1.5 Redesigning in Canva, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

I maintained some of the elements used in the original infographic such as the main figure applying skincare, the skincare products and the steps. I added additional text to serve as an explanation/ instruction for a proper 'step-by-step' guide which I felt the original design lacked. I also added figures applying each of the skincare products to better demonstrate the steps.

Through this progression, I tried different ways of placing the text for it all to fit onto the canvas and to test out which layout looked better. In my first attempt, while I liked the composition, the boxes took up too much space and also left the design looking very plain.

Fig. 1.6 Attempt #1, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

In the second attempt, I worked on the composition first. I took away the boxes and arranged figures demonstrating the skincare routine to the left of all the text, as well as placed the subheading on the top of the paragraph content. I set the title heading to have a centre alignment in order to avoid making one side of the design too heavy.

Fig. 1.7 Attempt #2, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

The design still looked plain without many elements apart from the main content. I decided to add the boxes from my initial design back in and stretch them out all the way to the margins. This acted as a divider between each step and added more colour to the design. Initially, I made the boxes green to match the neutral and nature colour palette, however, the colour was too intense and had low contrast with the text. 


Fig. 1.8 Attempt #3, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Realizing the title was "Skincare Morning Routine", I changed the colours of the boxes and added elements match the theme. By making the boxes a lighter colour, it provides enough contrast to be able to read the text as well as still being able to separate each step from one another.


Fig. 1.9 Attempt #4, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Lastly, I darkened the subheading text and changed the text background colour brighter so the subheading becomes more visible and the graphic elements correspond to each other perfectly.


Fig. 1.10 Re-designed infographic poster, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Color Palette
The re-designed colour palette has more contrast (orange and green) compared to the cool gradient in the original infographic. 

The re-designed colour palette is inspired by skincare products, which often feature natural ingredients that utilize earthy tones like greens, browns, and neutrals. The bright oranges and yellows match the theme of the infographic of "morning" skincare routine.

Fig. 1.11 Original color palette vs Re-designed colour palette, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Final Re-designed Infographic Poster - Skincare Morning Routine


Fig. 1.12 Final re-designed infographic poster, Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Fig. 1.13 Infographics comparison: Before (left) vs After (right), Week 1 (07/02/2024)

Rating and review of the online tool (Canva):
Difficulty, intuitiveness: 4.5*
Canva is very straightforward and simple to use, the tool is easy to navigate and look for functions. 

Usefulness: 4*
There are a decent amount of graphics available that look well-designed, even in the non-paid option. Canva is useful and suitable to create simple, uncomplicated designs which is especially useful for first-time users. 

Design templates, choices: 4*
Canva provides many various types of design templates with good colour schemes, graphics, and font choices. This helped a lot when I was re-designing the infographic poster.


FLIP 2: L.A.T.C.H

Group Task: Research on Saul Wurman's L.A.T.C.H
L.A.T.C.H. is a method of information organisation that consists of these principles: 
1) Location
2) Alphabet
3) Time
4) Category
5) Hierarchy

We were assigned to research L.A.T.C.H in groups with the definition of each principle and provide an example for each.

Fig. 2.1 L.A.T.C.H by Group 4 - Slides, Week 3 (20/02/2024)


FLIP 3: Miller's Law (Chunking)

Group Task: Research on Miller's Law (Chunking)
Chunking is when information is organised into groups or 'chunks' allows the brain to recognize and memorize the information more easily.
- Understand the subject matter easily and effectively.
- Reduces cognitive load or information overload on learners.
- Helps in the retention of memory power.

Fig. 3.1 Miller's Law (Chunking) by Group 4 - Slides, Week 4 (27/02/2024)


FLIP 4: Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto

Group Task: Research on Manuel Lima's 9 Derivatives 
Manuel Lima's manifesto lays out essential principles guiding the design of information and data visualization. Lima's guidelines offer a structured approach to creating impactful and insightful visual representations of data.

1. Form Follows Function
2. Interactivity is Key
3. Cite Your Source
4. The Power of Narrative
5. Do Not Glorify Aesthetics
6. Look for Relevancy
7. Embrace Time
8. Aspire for Knowledge
9. Avoid Gratuitous Visualizations

Fig. 4.1 Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto by Group 4 - Slides, Week 5 (05/03/2024)


REFLECTION

Through the lessons from the FLIP Classrooms, I've learned about the different kinds of infographics and how to organise data in a clear, basic manner. I've also learned that the L.A.T.C.H. principles and Chunking are helpful for grouping, classifying, and categorizing data. Manuel Lima's 9 Derivatives advises us to convey the data in a way that is relevant, engaging, visually appealing, and purposeful. All of these guidelines are valuable in helping me to complete my infographic design assignments. 

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