06/02/2024 - 22/02/2024 / Week 1 - Week 3
Joey Lok Wai San / 0350857
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Exercises
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vsT3i_BBJM3lcoV3hFITLJNwFaFSBLsx/preview
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uAzNNkAmSi-72VvpFz3Q2_c_EaPRVZvT/preview
EXERCISE 1: Quantify & Visualise Data
For our first exercise, we were tasked to prepare some objects, e.g. buttons, legos, coins, etc. We are to quantify (count) our chosen items and arrange the objects into a presentable layout or chart, with relevant indicators to help visualize the quantity and data.
I have chosen LEGOs as my object for this exercise.
Fig. 1.1 Chosen Object - LEGOs, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
Fig. 1.2 Layout Drafts and Sketches, Week 1 (07/02/2024)
Visual References
Mr. Shamsul recommended that we search for references to get inspiration for our data analysis. I found a few references that inspire the data to be categorised data according to colours and object type.
Fig. 1.3 Visual Reference #1 - Categorise by colour, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
While convenient and effective at understanding the data, arranging by type looked aesthetically unorganized. I like colour organization because it is pleasing to the eye, which led me to experiment with that idea. I sorted the Lego pieces according to colour, and then, in the colour group, organized them by their type.
Sketches
Before the class, I created a very rough draft of the layout to give me an idea of how I would like to present my data.
Visual References
Mr. Shamsul recommended that we search for references to get inspiration for our data analysis. I found a few references that inspire the data to be categorised data according to colours and object type.
Fig. 1.3 Visual Reference #1 - Categorise by colour, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
Fig. 1.4 Visual Reference #2 - Categorise by type, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
Sorting and Arrangement
For my first attempt, I sorted the Lego pieces into groups according to their types: plates, bricks, tiles, curves, corners, fences, slopes, etc. After categorizing them into groups, I further organized them based on their size/ number of studs, such as 2x10, 2x4, 2x2, 2x1, etc., and then by colour, such as beige, white, blue, pink, etc.
For my first attempt, I sorted the Lego pieces into groups according to their types: plates, bricks, tiles, curves, corners, fences, slopes, etc. After categorizing them into groups, I further organized them based on their size/ number of studs, such as 2x10, 2x4, 2x2, 2x1, etc., and then by colour, such as beige, white, blue, pink, etc.
Fig. 2.1 First Attempt - LEGOs sorted by type, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
While convenient and effective at understanding the data, arranging by type looked aesthetically unorganized. I like colour organization because it is pleasing to the eye, which led me to experiment with that idea. I sorted the Lego pieces according to colour, and then, in the colour group, organized them by their type.
Fig. 2.2 Second Attempt - LEGOs sorted by colour, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
In the next attempt, I experimented with the layout of the Lego pieces placement. I noticed both the layouts looked boring and common after the first two attempts. I sorted the Legos according to their types and sizes and then developed a layout to follow. The circles and curves added some movement to the piece, allowing the viewer's eye to follow the path from the top to the bottom of the page.
Fig. 2.3 Third Attempt - Experimentation with layout + LEGOs sorted by type, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
In the next attempt, I experimented with the layout of the Lego pieces placement. I noticed both the layouts looked boring and common after the first two attempts. I sorted the Legos according to their types and sizes and then developed a layout to follow. The circles and curves added some movement to the piece, allowing the viewer's eye to follow the path from the top to the bottom of the page.
Fig. 2.3 Third Attempt - Experimentation with layout + LEGOs sorted by type, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
Developing the idea of movement I started my fourth attempt. I noticed most of my Lego pieces were curves and circular. This sparked an idea for me to make a spiral layout following the curves of the pieces, arranging them by type and then colour - taking note of Mr. Shamsul's advice to arrange colours according to their tone, which led me to separate the warm colours from the cool colours. For the bricks, plates, and tiles I arranged them in a linear pattern radiating out from the centre of the circle. Mr. Shamsul instructed me to proceed with this as the final layout.
Fig. 2.4 Fourth Attempt - Further experimentation with layout, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
Refining Details
From the layout design, I noticed the curves of the spiral were uneven and looked crooked. To fix this I drew the circle with a geometry compass to make sure they were consistent, acting as a guideline when placing the Legos on top.
From the layout design, I noticed the curves of the spiral were uneven and looked crooked. To fix this I drew the circle with a geometry compass to make sure they were consistent, acting as a guideline when placing the Legos on top.
Fig. 2.5 Layout sketch using a geometry compass, Week 1 (08/02/2024)
I noticed that there was not enough space in the centre of the spiral to add label text and it would look really crowded, thus leading me to rearrange a few of the centre pieces to make room for the labels. While I preferred the layout on the left, adjusting the 'white corner' pieces to make space for text was a choice that had to be made unfortunately.
Fig. 2.6 Adjusting centre pieces: Before (left) vs After (right), Week 1 (08/02/2024)
I added the labels and lines to categorise the type of Lego piece. I first did this on ibisPaint in order to play around with the position of the labels and not mess up with pen and paper. Drawing digitally also makes it much easier to erase and redraw mistakes thereby allowing me to try as many variations until finding the right outcome.
Fig. 2.7 Sketching labels and lines on ibisPaint, Week 1 (09/02/2024)
Final Quantify & Visualise DataOnce I was satisfied with the overall layout and placement of all objects, labels and lines, I proceeded to arrange everything on paper. I moved the yellow and white Legos from the bottom of the page to the top of the page in order to maintain the warm and cool colour separation. I also extended the A3 paper to make room for the title as well as to ensure the objects were not too tightly packed together.
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Fig. 2.8 Final arrangement, Week 1 (09/02/2024)
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Fig. 2.8 Final arrangement, Week 1 (09/02/2024)
Fig. 3.2 Final Quantify & Visualise Data - Without Labels (10/02/2024)
EXERCISE 2: L.A.T.C.H Infographic
We were tasked to organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the L.A.T.C.H principles - Location / Alphabet / Time / Category / Hierarchy.
We may choose to use one of the suggested compiled data (Pokedex/FFXIV Bestiary/Dinosaurs) or choose any topic we want to create the visual poster.
Requirements:
- Must apply L.A.T.C.H principles (minimum 4)
- Size resolution: 1240 × 1750 pixels or 2048 × 2048 pixels
- Use a digital photo editing/ illustration software
Research & Organizing Information
My original plan was to organize a group of information I was more familiar with, rather than do extensive research with very limited time. Unfortunately, I knew doing a project would take away my interest in the topic so I ended up learning about Pokémons.
Pokémons
Pokémon creatures have unique abilities and appearances. Each Pokémon belongs to one or two of 18 elemental types such as Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Psychic, and more, which affect their strengths and weaknesses in battles. There are hundreds of species, each with its own evolutionary line. For instance, the Fire-type Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16 and then into Charizard at level 36. Charizard is a powerful Fire/Flying-type Pokémon known for its dragon-like appearance and fiery attacks.
Organizing Information
I have decided to use 4 L.A.T.C.H which are L (Location), T (Time), C (Category), H (Hierarchy). The A (Alphabet) principle is not the best organization method because it relies solely on the alphabet's letter sequence. Organizing Pokemons alphabetically is ineffective and challenging.
There are a lot of Pokemons spanning over nine generations. I divided them into 4 categories according to the Pokemon types and generation, Fairy-type (Gen 1), Fire-type (Gen 2), Grass-type (Gen 4) and Water-type (Gen 5). I used Pokemons which were only one type and not a mix of two or more types.
There are a lot of Pokemons spanning over nine generations. I divided them into 4 categories according to the Pokemon types and generation, Fairy-type (Gen 1), Fire-type (Gen 2), Grass-type (Gen 4) and Water-type (Gen 5). I used Pokemons which were only one type and not a mix of two or more types.
Chosen 4 L.A.T.C.H Principles:
1. Location - Habitat
2. Time - Generation introduced in the Pokémon series (Gen 1 to Gen 9)
3. Category - Pokémon Types (Grass, Water, Fire, Flying, etc.)
4. Hierarchy - Evolutionary Progression / Stats (HP, Speed, Total Stats)
I discovered a few geographical infographics for visual reference. The way the first infographic separated the sky, sea, and land, as well as the second infographic's zoom-in on the specific locations inspired me. Furthermore, I drew inspiration from the last infographic's design of layering the ingredients used to make a cake and separating elements of the main product.
Fig. 4.1 General Visual References - #1, #2, #3, Week 2 (13/02/2024)
I next searched for Pokémon-related designs that might inspire my own design. One design that truly appealed to me was the Pokémon ball that opens up in the middle to reveal an object, which was similar to the cake infographic above. Furthermore, as shown in visual references #5 and #6, I liked the idea of the ball opening up in layers to show its components.
Fig. 4.2 Pokémon Visual References - #4, #5, #6, Week 2 (13/02/2024)
Moodboard
I created a moodboard of Pokemon-inspired items. I noticed Pokemon use a wide range of colours in their characters, with no one specific colour as the dominant colour.
Fig. 4.2 Moodboard, Week 2 (14/02/2024)
Sketches
After doing research on visual references, I started to draw out some sketches. The night before our tutorial class, I sketched out two rough designs on ibisPaint.
The first sketch was inspired by the first visual reference infographic which separates the habitats of sky, grass, and underground. The second sketch follows the design of the fourth and fifth visual reference infographics, where the Pokemon ball opens up to reveal a landscape inside it. The information for both sketches is divided by the habitat, which is based on the Pokemon's type.
Fig. 4.3 Sketch #1 and #2, Week 2 (14/02/2024)
In class, Mr. Shamsul advised us to do informational and visual research and sketches before proceeding with our final design. Since I had already completed them previously, I drafted two more sketches.
For the third sketch, I drew inspiration from visual reference #2 and other geographical infographics, which used the map to organize data based on locations. From the map, the Pokemon would be categorized based on their habitats, with a zoom-in feature to show the Pokemon's details and data. While this is a more straightforward way to categorise and show the information, I thought this idea was overly cliche and done before, thus leading me to scrap it completely.
For the third sketch, I drew inspiration from visual reference #2 and other geographical infographics, which used the map to organize data based on locations. From the map, the Pokemon would be categorized based on their habitats, with a zoom-in feature to show the Pokemon's details and data. While this is a more straightforward way to categorise and show the information, I thought this idea was overly cliche and done before, thus leading me to scrap it completely.
Fig. 4.4 Sketch #3, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
After deciding to continue my design from sketch #1 and #2, I developed the idea and drew one more sketch based on the style of sketch #2 with a slightly different arrangement. Drawing inspiration from visual reference #6, I made the design so that each habitat is separated by layers. In my opinion, this made it easier to distinguish the different habitats as well as the information about the Pokemons type, evolution and generation. I organized the data based on the Pokemon habitat, which is based on the Pokemon type, followed by their generation (Gen 1 to Gen 9) and finally their evolution, from top to bottom, ascending to descending.
Fig. 4.5 Sketch #4, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
I mainly used Adobe Illustrator as my illustration software and a little Adobe Photoshop to assemble and create my L.A.T.C.H. infographic poster. Below is my process of digitizing from sketch to detailing to the final design.
Creating & Gathering Assets To start, I gathered the images of the chosen Pokemon since we were allowed to reuse the images of the Pokemons due to time constraints. I also created the rest of the visuals and assets, such as the landscaping for all four habitats, to complete the poster.
Some of the pictures of Pokemon did not have a transparent background, so I had to use Adobe Photoshop to remove the background, using background remover, a brush tool and a mask layer. This was fairly simple as all the images had just a plain white background to them.
Fig. 5.1 Gathering Assets in Adobe Photoshop, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Fig. 5.2 All Pokemons and assets, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Once all the Pokemon were collected (gotta catch them all), I used Adobe Illustrator to create the rest of my visuals. Based on my sketch, I created the iconic Pokemon ball using the ellipse shape tool and pen tool, following a reference from Google. This was the same process for all the other visuals in the design from the clouds, mountains, and trees to the sea, where I followed a reference source and used the shape tool and pen tool to get the content.
Fig. 5.3 Creating the Pokemon ball using the ellipse tool, Week 2 (15/02/2024)
Fig. 5.4 Creating visuals and assets in Adobe Illustrator, Week 2 (16/02/2024)
Once all the main visuals were drafted, I started to roughly assemble everything based on the sketch so that I could get an idea of how it would look all together. As shown below in Fig. 5.4, while the design looks incomplete, it was going in the right direction.
Fig. 5.5 Assembling created visuals together, Week 2 (16/02/2024)
Fig. 5.5 Assembling created visuals together, Week 2 (16/02/2024)
Fig. 5.6 Rough assembly habitats and layers, Week 2 (16/02/2024)
I decided I wanted to make each layer and habitat have one main colour so that it more distinguishable from each other. Therefore each layer has its own primary colour scheme. For example, the volcano had too many greys and greens which looked similar to the grass habitat, which led me to change the landscaping and mountains to have a more reddish-brown look. The sky habitat is a light blue almost white, the volcano habitat is reddish-brown the forest habitat is shades of green, and the ocean habitat a deeper blue.
Fig. 5.7 Finalized habitats and layers, Week 2 (16/02/2024)
For the background, I was at a complete loss of what colour to use, especially since Pokemon's colour palette consists of only blue and yellow which would blend in with the title of the infographic.
Remembering the craze of the Pokemon Go mobile game (which ironically my friend was playing at the same time), I noticed they used a blue-green gradient with clouds as their main background. I decided to replicate this design into my infographic background, rather than pick a colour of the rainbow which would serve no purpose or connection to Pokemon.
Fig. 5.8 Pokemon Go mobile game, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 5.9 Background color inspiration from Pokemon Go, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 5.10 Final design with background, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Following my initial layout sketch, I placed the shapes to include the details of the Pokemon. However, I did not like how one-sided and unbalanced it looked. If the design element is all on the left side, the right side would look too crowded with text and information.
Fig. 6.1 Initial layout design, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 6.1 Initial layout design, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
To fix this issue, I played around with different positions of the main design by making it centre-aligned. I experimented with the positions of the text. Rather than placing it on the left, I placed it on both the right and left sides of the centre-aligned design.
Fig. 6.2 Center aligned layout design, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 6.2 Center aligned layout design, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Moreover, I experimented with different shapes I could use for the information, rather than having a rectangle or a square. This allowed me to have a variety of options on how the layout could be designed. From this, I learned that while it gave more space for information, the landscape rotation is not suitable for my tall design element.
Fig. 6.3 Experimenting with different shapes for information, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
I tried to use circles to place the Pokemon evolution. I liked the idea of showing the evolution of the Pokemons from an unevolved creature, the smallest circle, to its maximum evolution, the biggest circle. Even though this looked visually pleasing and different, it left very little space to put all the other information about the Pokemon's name and generation.
Fig. 6.4 Circle shapes to show evolution information, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
In the end, I just stuck to using rectangle shapes to put the information in, exactly like Fig. 6.2. I made the edges of the rectangle slightly curved, rather than a completely straight sharp edge, to slightly mimic the shape of the Pokemon Ball.
Fig. 6.5 Curved edges to match the Pokemon ball, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 6.3 Experimenting with different shapes for information, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 6.4 Circle shapes to show evolution information, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
In the end, I just stuck to using rectangle shapes to put the information in, exactly like Fig. 6.2. I made the edges of the rectangle slightly curved, rather than a completely straight sharp edge, to slightly mimic the shape of the Pokemon Ball.
Fig. 6.5 Curved edges to match the Pokemon ball, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
From all this experimentation, I arrived at the final layout I would use. Placing the design element in the middle, and the information rectangle on both sides.
Fig. 6.6 Layout design, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Last but not least, I designed the details of the hierarchy of the information. I tried different layouts to place the following information: pokemon-type, pokemon-type symbol, generation, Pokemon creatures and their name, and evolution.
Pokemon Type and Generation:
I experimented with the symbol's size, text positioning, font boldness, colour, and other aspects for the Pokemon type and generation. The design process is seen below; I refined the second (middle) design by making the generation's colour darker and the "Pokemon type" lettering less bold.
Fig. 6.7 Progress of symbol, text placement and font, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Pokemon Evolution:
Fig. 6.8 Type of arrow to show evolution, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
Fig. 6.9 Arrow design experimentation, Week 2 (17/02/2024)
I put a background colour behind the Pokemon and their information to further emphasise the evolution. The idea was to demonstrate the progression from the lighter-coloured background, unevolved Pokemon to the darker-coloured background, final evolution Pokemon.
As seen below, I attempted to create a gradient based on the colour of the Pokemon types, but it clashed too much with the designs of the creatures, nearly making them invisible. With so many colours combined in the design, it also appeared disorganised and incoherent. Consequently, I decided to use a grey gradient to show the evolution.
Fig. 6.10 Background colour to show Pokemon evolution, Week 3 (18/02/2024)
Fig. 6.11 Close-up of Pokemon evolution design, Week 3 (18/02/2024)
Final Touches
After all the detailing aspects of the information were done, I added a few finishing touches. I hand-drew the Pokemon ball's gradient because I didn't like how it was so smooth in all of my designs above and thought it looked out of place compared to the rest of the design. In addition, I added clouds to the background since the background appeared extremely plain and the Pokemon Go game background I used as inspiration also featured clouds.
Fig. 6.12 Final design - Before Feedback, Week 3 (18/02/2024)
After Feedback - Week 3
Mr. Shamsul gave us all feedback in Week 3. I made the necessary changes he suggested like adding a text below the Pokemon title. While I tried it before and looked out of place, he recommended I make it a curved shape to follow the Pokemon ball. He also suggested changing the bottom of the information box to be grey, so as to not have a random white space.
Mr. Shamsul gave us all feedback in Week 3. I made the necessary changes he suggested like adding a text below the Pokemon title. While I tried it before and looked out of place, he recommended I make it a curved shape to follow the Pokemon ball. He also suggested changing the bottom of the information box to be grey, so as to not have a random white space.
Fig. 6.13 Final design - After feedback, Week 3 (22/02/2024)
Full Process
Click here for the Figma link!
Final L.A.T.C.H Infographic
Click here for the Figma link!
Fig. 7.1 Figma Process, Week 3 (22/02/2024)
Final L.A.T.C.H Infographic
Fig. 7.2 Final Pokémon L.A.T.C.H Infographic - After Feedback, Week 3 (22/02/2024)
FEEDBACK
WEEK 1 - Exercise 1
General Feedback
Can arrange the colours from light to dark colour and/or according to their tone (cool/ warm).
Specific Feedback
Go with the last variation - it looks good and has good movement.
Can arrange the colours from light to dark colour and/or according to their tone (cool/ warm).
Specific Feedback
Go with the last variation - it looks good and has good movement.
WEEK 2 - Exercise 2
General Feedback
Visual is important but so is the information. Be sure to have visual references and sketches. Write down the information for each L.A.T.C.H principle and think about how you would display them.
Specific Feedback
Good design process, proceed with the digitization phase.
Visual is important but so is the information. Be sure to have visual references and sketches. Write down the information for each L.A.T.C.H principle and think about how you would display them.
Specific Feedback
Good design process, proceed with the digitization phase.
WEEK 3 - Exercise 2
Specific Feedback
Add a curved text to tell what the infographic is about. Change the bottom of the information box to match the last colour of the gradient.
Add a curved text to tell what the infographic is about. Change the bottom of the information box to match the last colour of the gradient.
REFLECTION
Exercise 1
Experience
Exercise 1 was a really enjoyable experience. I enjoy organizing and categorizing items a lot, especially my book collection, so this exercise was really fun to do. It has taught me that it's not only important for viewers to easily understand the data but also to have the data arrangement be creative.
Observation
By doing this exercise, I've observed that it enhances my ability to think creatively and critically to solve problems. The process has taught me to come up with new, better ideas to organize the data in not only an understandable format but a creative one as well.
Findings
Overall I find this exercise to be really helpful in introducing me to presenting information in a clear way that is easy for others to understand. I am now better aware of the importance of data arrangement and visualization in design.
Exercise 2
Experience
Despite spending too much time on it, Exercise 2 was an enjoyable project. In particular, the research and design process section sparked my interest and added depth to the entire design, finding details to add to my design made it even more meaningful.
Despite spending too much time on it, Exercise 2 was an enjoyable project. In particular, the research and design process section sparked my interest and added depth to the entire design, finding details to add to my design made it even more meaningful.
Observation
I've gained a deeper comprehension of how to effectively organize and convey information. This skill not only improves my ability to organize content but also makes me a better designer, especially for information-based designs. I have observed that the knowledge gained from this exercise has helped me improve the organisation and clarity of my designs, rather than them being messy and all over the place.
Findings
A significant takeaway from the exercise was the importance of having all the required information for the infographic poster. This taught me to only choose the most relevant information and main points to include in an infographic poster. This exercise shows how important design and content organisation is to conveying information effectively.
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