Information Design Exercises

 03/02/2025-10/02/2025

Yang Jiayi/0369288

Information Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media

Exercises1/2

---

Introductions

---

Lectures

week 1

Type of Infographics

Infographics are highly effective when it comes to increasing engagement and capturing your audience’s attention.

 

An infographic is a powerful way of communicating ideas in a visual form. Different types of infographics are used in design and marketing to present information in a simple and visually appealing way. They can be a useful alternative to standard text-based content.

8 types of infographics

• List infographics
• Statistical infographics
• How-to infographics
• Timeline infographics
• Comparison infographics
• Map and location infographics
• Flowchart infographics
• Process description infographics

• List infographics

A list infographic is an informational graphic that uses a written list to get a message across. It’s full of written copy, but it’s also highly visual. 

Like other kinds of graphics, it’s eye-catching and typically includes a wide range of design elements.  

Contextualizing information with visuals makes it easier to read and makes the statistics more memorable.

• Statistical infographics

A statistical infographic is an infographic that includes pie charts, bar graphs, and any other visual representations of data.

Using a statistical infographic to represent the information in a visual way is more easier to understand.

Include percentage radials alongside branded illustrations to grab the audience’s attention and reel them into reading the information.

• How-to infographics

A how-to infographic explains how to do something, like how to solve a problem or perform a task. 

It’s a fantastic alternative to long pieces of text that describe a step-by-process, like proper hand washing or workplace setup, without bombarding the viewer with information. 

Compared to a paragraph or written list, the how-to infographic makes each step of the process easier to absorb.

• Timeline infographics

The timeline infographic is not only useful and informative, but it’s also visually appealing.

Timeline infographics are one of the most diverse in terms of their use.

When creating this type of infographic, be sure to use icons and illustrations along the full length of the timeline to represent each point.

• Comparison infographics

The comparison infographic couldn’t be missing from this list of the best types of infographics. A comparison infographic is a visual way to compare and contrast different options. By presenting two or more alternatives side-by-side, this type of infographic helps readers understand the distinction between various concepts and, in many cases, choose which option is best for them.

• Map and location infographics

An infographic that’s used extensively by many companies and organizations is the map or location infographic.

Map infographics can be used for a variety of purposes.

People tend to use them when they want to communicate demographic data or other location-specific information.

• Flowchart infographics

A flowchart infographic is a graphical representation of an information stream,

such as a sequence of different steps or actions.

This type of infographic boosts engagement while giving users a very clear idea of what the process is about. 

Because it guides people individually through the various steps, it feels more personal and tends to resonate closely with potential audiences.

• Process description infographics

A process description infographic visually describes the main elements, actions, and steps of a process.

A process description infographic to communicate technical information or a complex series of actions.

It’s useful because it highlights the most important steps, and simplifies complex ideas by breaking them down and then grouping them by category.

fig1.1

week 2

L.A.T.C.H Theory

We will also apply these five principles to the poster later.

fig1.2 Latch system

• Location

This is the technique of organizing information based on its location. This gives a spatial order to the information.

• Alphabet

Organizing the content Alphabetically is probably the easiest way to group information, mainly because alphabets are universally recognized. 

However, we should ensure that the actual labels are also something which maps with model of the user.

• Time

This scheme uses the temporal nature of content for organizing information. 

This is very effective in Social media websites, where users would like to know about the most recent events in their contacts’ lives.

• Category

This is by far the most frequently used technique of organizing content on websites. 

Category refers to any meaningful group, with reference to the website or the audience.It is very important , however, to define categories which make sense to your users.

Tools such as Card Sorting can help in designing relevant categories.

• Hierarchy

Hierarchy refers to arranging information by any order, such as, size, cost (Low to High OR High to Low), popularity etc.

 week3

Miller’s Law of Memory

Miller's law suggests how our short-term memory is limited when it comes to remembering more than seven information "objects," and how retaining that information does not last longer than 30 seconds.

Most human brains are incapable of holding more than roughly seven items in their short-term memory at once — or as Miller put it, “the magical number seven, plus or minus two.” Pass that threshold, and most humans tend to forget some of the items.

• Validating Miller’s Rule: The Paradox of Choice

• The Art of Refining Options

You will have a hard time remembering anything more than seven different information if they come at you in a short period, and you will likely forget them in less than 30 seconds.

Our brain processes just a certain amount of information in any communication, but not always can we grasp and recall the memory to a full extent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCu4Tk2w6g4 

---

Exercises

Exercises 1

Instruction:

Gather a set of objects and separate it into category such as color, shape, pattern, and other quantifiable factor.
Example:

1. Box of Lego
2. Jar of button
3. Jar of marble ball
4. Set of colourful rubber strap

In this exercise you're required to quantify our chosen objects and arrange them into a presentable layout or chart. 
The information must be presented as is, and you need to arrange the objects with relevant indicators written out with pens to help you to visualize the quantity and data. The examples of objects that can be use are buttons, coins, lego pieces, M&Ms, and more.

I went to the store to buy materials for DIY and I decided to use wooden sticks.

I classify wooden sticks of different colors and arrange them on A4 paper.

At the beginning, I placed the required sticks randomly on the paper.

• Photos of random objects before classification

fig 1.3 random objects

  

• Objects sorted by category

I simply categorize by color

fig1.4 sort by color

I sorted them by quantity, and I arranged them in a pattern like a fence, with a bit of a 3D effect

fig1.5 sort by quantity

Next, I made a fish tail-like pose.

fig1.6 Design Information

Data visualization final result

The idea of ​​the final pattern is to express the color psychology for myself. The more colors the sticks have, the greater the proportion of my emotions will be. The overall appearance presents a firework shape, but the heart is a triangle. Green represents balance, and the triangle has stability. No matter how blooming the appearance is, there must be a strong inner balance.

Next is the percentage of red. Red represents love, and love is also very important in a person's heart.

Blue represents sadness，Blue represents sadness, and it also accounts for a large proportion of my emotions.

Yellow represents optimism.Orange represents vitality.The color that occupies the largest proportion of my outer layer is purple. Purple represents introspection. Introspection is very important to me, so it occupies a larger proportion.

Various emotions are organized to form the final appearance pattern: gorgeous fireworks

fig1.7 Data visualization final result

Exercises 2

INSTRUCTION:

1. Organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (Minimum 4). 

2. You are required to use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the information into a LATCH infographic poster. 

3. You are allowed to reuse back the images but you have to create the rest of visuals to complete the poster.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Size resolution: A4 size
2. Progress and submission link on E-Portfolio.

SUBMISSION:
1. Final poster attached to this submission.
2. E-Portfolio link attached to this submission. 

In today's rapidly changing world, biodiversity is decreasing at a rapid rate due to climate change, habitat destruction, or illegal hunting.I want to create a global endangered animal ecological map that can show the geographical distribution, species categories, ecological threats and conservation status of endangered animals around the world. I applied the four principles of the LATCH principle in the lecture: location, time, category, and Hierarchy.

I began to conceive that I would divide the poster into four parts: map display, classification introduction, historical timeline, and endangered level description. Therefore, I chose a comprehensive method of map + data + visual images to present it.

I started to choose colors. My theme is about the ocean, so the theme color blue is inevitable. On the dark blue background, I will use light yellow to highlight the silhouettes of endangered animals, which can better highlight the distribution of endangered species.I searched for relevant color references on the colour palette website

fig1.8 Color reference

fig1.9 Color reference

I searched for relevant poster references online

fig2.0 Visual reference

Poster draft design

fig2.1 draft design

• Location

I found a world map on the Internet, and I changed its overall color in PS to light blue, because my animal silhouettes need yellow

fig2.2 world map

In the layout design, I distributed the map part in the upper half of the entire poster. The combination of map + animal silhouettes allows the audience to see the distribution of endangered animals at a glance. Marine, terrestrial, and polar animals must be involved.

fig2.3 process-location

Then, I searched for animal silhouettes and main title，then put them on

fig2.4 process-layout

I divided the lower half of the poster into two large blocks. The left half is the species classification, and the right half is the timeline and endangered level. For the historical timeline, I chose left alignment and searched for key years and events on the Internet

• Time

fig2.5 process-time

I searched for related cases in 1990, 1970, 1986, 2008, 2020, and 2023

fig2.6 process-time

• Hierarchy

Then, I divided the levels of endangered animals and used pie charts to more intuitively feel the gap between them. I divided them into three levels: vulnerable, endangered, and extremely dangerous. Their colors will also be different, namely yellow, orange, and red.

fig2.7 process-hierarchy

• Category

Next is the species classification, using subheadings (MAMMALS / BIRDS / REPTILE / MARINE ORGANISM) to distinguish different categories.

Each category includes three animals. I found silhouettes on the Internet and pasted the information on the silhouettes. At first, I planned to design the colors of the species names according to the different levels, but the design looked very messy, so I finally changed to short lines to distinguish.

fig2.8 process-Category

LATCH information is as follows：

• Location：Tropical rainforest area，polar regions，Marine areas

• Category：

1. 🐅 Mammals:Snow leopard，Asian elephant，Black-footed ferret
2. 🐦 Birds: California condor, spoonbill, paradise parrot
3. 🐢 Reptiles: Chinese alligator, leatherback turtle, Galapagos tortoise
4. 🐠 Marine Life：Hammerhead Shark，Ghost Bat Stingray，Sea Angel

• Time

1. 1900: African elephants number over 5 million
2. 1970: Bengal tigers are listed as endangered species, with population reduced to about 2,500
3. 1986: Northern white rhinos drop to less than 10
4. 2008: There are less than 50 Javan rhinos left in the world
5. 2020: Australian wildfires cause severe damage to koala habitats
6. 2023: The World Conservation Union (IUCN) updates the species red list

• Hierarchy

1. 🔴Extremely endangered
2. 🟠Endangered
3. 🟡Vulnerable

Final results

Final Outcome - L.A.T.C.H. Infographic Poster (PDF)

---

Reflection

Experience

 The method of completing these works out was both challenging and fulfilling. At to begin with, the assignment appeared straightforward - make a blurb that communicates data clearly and proficiently. Be that as it may, I soon realized that the method was more than basically joining information and visual components, and required an understanding of the hook rule, which is to permit the group of onlookers to quickly get it the data without being confounded or overpowered. 

  One of the key challenges was narrowing the scope of the blurb. At first, I needed to incorporate as much data as conceivable, but rapidly found that this would lead to cluttered and confounding substance. Instep, I learned to center on a particular point and show it in a outwardly engaging and easy-to-understand way. In addition, inquiring about point by point and precise data could be a key step. I went through a parcel of time collecting information from dependable sources online, guaranteeing that the data included was both pertinent and precise.

Observations

Visual pecking order is imperative: prioritizing data through measure, color, and arrangement can direct the viewer's eye and make the blurb simpler to studied.  Adjust of content and visual components: Finding the correct adjust between content data and visual components is significant. As well much content can make the blurb see thick, whereas visual components without setting can delude the watcher.

Findings

The hook rule may be a capable instrument: by centering on making information quickly justifiable, I am able to make plans that are both functional and appealing. This guideline has fortified for me that great plan isn't  close to aesthetics, but almost viable communication. Research is essential: exact and nitty gritty data is at the heart of any successful data plan. Without strong information, indeed the foremost outwardly engaging plan will come up short to communicate successfully.