Information design GCD60504/Exercises
Information design
GCD60504/Exercises
LIU CHENG RUI (0370930)
GCD60504/Information design/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
INSTRUCTION
TASK
Group task FLIP 1（The first week of online class）
During the first week of online classes, Mr. Kannan assigned a group task:
In your group, identify the different types of infographics and the types of
information they are applicable for, along with an example for each
identified type.
The options we chose were Statistical, Geographic, Hierarchical, Process,
and Timeline.
Group task FLIP 1 slide
Group task （The first week of physical class）
In the first week of the physical class, we also had a group task. We
needed to find three poor information graphics and three good ones, and
explain why they were poor and why they were good.
Physical class group task slide
Group task FLIP 2（Saul Wurman's L.A.T.C.H）
This week's class assignment was to give a presentation on the LATCH
topic within our group, and to provide examples to illustrate which
information is most suitable for each principle.
We divided it into six parts, namely 1. intro (summarize what a latch
is), 2. location, 3. alphabet, 4. time, 5. category, 6. hierarchy. I was
responsible for the hierarchy part. I first explained the basic definition
and applicable areas of this principle, and finally chose a poster as an
example to illustrate the hierarchy.
Group task FLIP 2 slide
Group task FLIP 3（Miller's Law {chunking} ）
In the fourth week of the online class, we were given a new task -
Miller's Law (chunking). In our group, we were required to present an
explanation on the topic and provide an example of how to best utilize
this technique in terms of visual delivery for each of these
approaches: 1 - a well-designed infographic, 2 - UX/Ul, web, app,
games (basically screen-based!) ,3-Processes (Refer to Project 1 brief
as an example).
We divided the task into several parts: Miller Law Meaning, Example
1, Example 2, Example 3, and 1 Approach. I was responsible for 1
Approach. I completed this part by analyzing the pictures chosen by
the other team members and explaining their advantages.
Group task FLIP 3 slide
Group task FLIP 4（Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto ）
In the online class of the fifth week, the task we need to complete
is titled "Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto". In our group, we are
required to provide an explanation on this topic and find an example
of how to best display and utilize design for each of the directives.
As conclusion, do also present one good designed infographic that best
illustrate of the9 directives for information visualizations and one
poorly designed infographics thatfailed to address the
directives.
We divided this task into several sections: introduction, form
follows function, interactivity is key, cite your sources, power of
narrative, do not glorify aesthetics, look for relevance, embrace
time, aspire for knowledge, avoid gratuitous visualisation, good
infographic, and bad infographic. I am responsible for the sections of
"aspire for knowledge" and "avoid gratuitous visualisation".
First, I will identify the core definitions and key information of
these two parts, and then search for the relevant image content that
meets the requirements.
Group task FLIP 4 slide
Individual task
During the first week of online classes, apart from the group tasks, we
also had a personal task. That was to find a poor information graphic and
use any of the tools available in Canva, Piktochart, or Venngage to
transform it into a good one.
I chose a 3D pie chart, whose content is about "Brazil Tea Market Share
by Company (2013)". I think this chart has some drawbacks. For instance,
the 3D perspective distorts the perception of area, making it impossible
for the human eye to accurately compare; the labels are separated from the
data, causing a confusing reading path; and the color distinction is
poor.
Fig1.1 Poor infographic
When modifying this infographic, I noticed that although the original
3D pie chart had a visually appealing appearance, it was not intuitive
when comparing the market shares of different companies. Moreover, the
three-dimensional effect could easily mislead the data proportions.
Therefore, I changed the original chart to a 2D bar chart, allowing
the market shares of different companies to be compared more
clearly.
I sorted the companies by their market share from highest to lowest,
and directly marked the percentages on each column. This way, readers
don't have to search back and forth for the corresponding data. For
the color scheme, I chose simple and uniform colors, eliminating
gradients and decorative effects to avoid distractions. At the same
time, I added a brief text description above the chart to help readers
quickly understand the overall market situation before looking at the
chart.
Fig1.2 Information graphic revision 1
In addition to this, I also made another attempt at revision.But I
think this one didn't succeed in the first attempt at
revision.
Fig1.3 Information graphic revision 2
EXERCISE
Exercise1: Quantify & visualize data
We need to write down the relevant indicators (such as Lego
pieces/buttons/coins, etc.) with a pen to help us visualize the quantities
and data, and take pictures of the final assembly. I chose coins, namely
50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents.
In order to achieve better results, I had some discussions with Mr.
Kannan. My initial idea was to merely distinguish the size and age of the
coins. However, Mr. Kannan suggested that I could add a color option, so
that I could have more varieties.
Ultimately, I divided the coins into two sizes (L and S), two colors
(bronze and silver), and three categories (new and not very new,
old).
Fig1.4 Exercise1: Quantify & visualize data（coins）
Exercise2: L.A.T.C.H
We need to apply the LATCH information organization principles
(location, alphabetical order, time, category, hierarchy) to organize
the information, and use at least four of these principles.
Additionally, create a Pokémon information graphic poster using
digital photo editing or illustration software.
I choose to organize Pokémon information using the LATCH principle's
L (location), A (alphabetical order), T (time), and C (category).
Here, L represents the different regions where different
Pokémon live, A represents the alphabetical order of Pokémon
attributes, T represents the evolution process of Pokémon, and
C represents the attributes of Pokémon.Finally, the H hierarchy is reflected in the visual size of
the poster. First, there is the central map, then the Pokémon around
it, and finally the text at the bottom.
Fig1.5 Exercise2: L.A.T.C.H
FEEDBACK
week1
Mr. Cannan believes that my initial idea was merely to distinguish the size
and age of the coins. This was rather simplistic. Therefore, Mr. Cannan
suggested that I could also include the option of color, so that I could
offer a wider range of choices.
week2
Your idea is fine. Here's a suggestion for you. You can try to achieve the
Hierarchy by adjusting the elevation difference of the central map. For
example, the mountains might have the highest elevation, followed by the
volcanic areas, and the plains would be the lowest. It all depends on your
own idea.
REFLECTION
Experience
In this exercise, I personally sorted the coins, revised the faulty
information chart, and created a Pokémon information chart poster. From
grouping the coins by denomination and age, to organizing the information
according to the LATCH principle, during this process, the way of
organizing data directly affected the clarity of the information. This was
the most important lesson I learned, because grouping and categorization
can highlight differences, and the logical sequence enables readers to
quickly understand the information, avoiding confusion.
Observation
When doing various exercises, I noticed some things. For instance, in
coin classification, clear categorization and grouping make the
information immediately understandable at a glance. When creating the
Pokémon information chart based on the LATCH principle, I found that
organizing the information in a logical order is easier for people to
grasp the key points compared to randomly assembling them.
Findings
Through these exercises, I discovered that the most important aspect of
information design is to make it understandable and memorable quickly.
Exercises like "Coins" and "Pokémon" made me realize that a clear
structure and distinct hierarchy are more effective than complex colors
and effects. Moreover, I also came to understand that information design
is actually a way of thinking: when dealing with complex data, one should
organize it logically and orderly instead of just randomly stacking
things. Only in this way can others truly grasp the key points.
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