Information Design Exercises

 ZHOU XINYI / 0378623

Information Design

 Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Table of Content

1.Instruction

2.Process Work

1.Instruction 

week1

In Week 1, our lecturer introduced Vector and Character Animation using Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.

We learned how to prepare vector illustrations in Illustrator by separating different objects into layers before importing them into After Effects.

Our lecturer explained basic animation properties such as Position, Scale, and Rotation. We also learned about more advanced techniques, including Bounce Effects, Wiggle, and the Puppet Pin Tool.

These techniques can be used to create more natural movements and bring illustrations and characters to life.

week2

In Week 2, our lecturer introduced Motion Graphic Animation Charts and explained how animation can make data visualisation more interesting and easier to understand.

We learned about different types of charts, including Pie Charts, Donut Charts, Bar Charts, and Line Graphs.

Our lecturer demonstrated how to create animated charts in Adobe After Effects using Shape Layers, Trim Paths, and Keyframes.

We also learned how to use Easy Ease to make the animations smoother and improve the overall presentation of information.

Class Exercise

During the class exercise, I used After Effects to create a simple animation based on an office scene. I imported the illustration and adjusted the composition. Then, I added keyframes to animate the characters and create movement. I also adjusted the timing to make the animation smoother. Finally, I previewed the result and exported the video.

week3

In Week 3, our lecturer introduced Kinetic Typography, which is the animation of text to communicate information through movement.

We looked at different examples of kinetic typography and learned how text animation can be combined with music.

Our lecturer demonstrated how to animate text in Adobe After Effects using Position, Scale, Opacity, and Keyframes.

We also learned about Range Selector, Easy Ease, Graph Editor, Motion Blur, and Null Objects to create smoother and more interesting text animations.

The lecturer also introduced the group project, which involved dividing song lyrics and planning the text animation.

week4

Mr. Martin introduced us to the L.A.T.C.H. principles in information design, which include Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, and Hierarchy.

During the lecture, he explained how these principles help us organize information clearly and make it easier for the audience to understand. He also showed us some Pokémon infographic examples to demonstrate how different types of information can be arranged visually.

For this week's exercise, we were asked to create an infographic poster using at least four of the five L.A.T.C.H. principles.

2.Process Work

2.1Week1

Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data

（1）Data Collection

I collected a total of 30 rubber bands in six different colours. The data is shown below:

• Orange – 3
• Yellow – 4
• Blue – 5
• Maldives Green – 5
• Light Pink – 6
• Purple – 7

（2）Physical Data Visualization

For my first visualisation, I arranged the rubber bands into straight lines according to their colours. Each rubber band represents one unit, and the length of each line represents the quantity. I arranged the groups from the smallest quantity to the largest quantity, making the data easier to compare.

Fig.2.1.2 Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data 

（3）  XY Graph

For my second visualisation, I created an XY graph in my notebook using the same data. The X-axis represents the different colours, while the Y-axis represents the number of rubber bands. I used the actual rubber bands to show the quantities for each colour. This allowed me to compare the six categories more clearly while continuing to use LINE as my main visual element.

Fig.2.1.3 Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data

（4）Total

After completing both visualisations, I took a separate photo to show the total number of rubber bands collected. There were 30 rubber bands altogether. Recording the total helped me check that all the quantities were counted correctly.

Fig2.1.4 Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data

（5） Reflection

Through this exercise, I learned how to collect, categorise and present data using physical objects. I also learned that the same data can be presented in different ways. Using rubber bands to create lines made the quantities easy to see, while the XY graph helped me compare the different colour groups. This exercise helped me understand how simple visual elements can communicate information clearly and creatively.

2.2Week2

Exercise 3: Vector Animation 

First, I imported the illustration into After Effects and created a new composition. Then, I separated and adjusted the elements that I wanted to animate. I added keyframes to create simple movements and adjusted the timing to make the animation look more natural. After that, I previewed the animation several times and made some adjustments. Finally, I exported the animation as a video.

（2）Feedback

During the class, the teacher checked my work and gave me feedback. The teacher mentioned that I had used some camera movements inspired by motion graphics, which made my animation more interesting. We also did a group activity where we created a PowerPoint presentation to explain different types of flowcharts.

（3）reflection

Through this lesson, I learned more about using camera movements in animation and how motion graphics can make a scene more interesting. The teacher's feedback helped me understand the strengths of my work. I also learned about different types of flowcharts through the group activity. Working with my classmates helped me understand the information better and improve my teamwork skills.

2.3Week3

Exercise 4: Chart Chart

（1）Process

First, I created a new composition in After Effects and set the background to black.

Then, I used the Pen Tool to draw the lines and changed the stroke colours to different shades of pink and purple.

After that, I added Trim Paths to each line and created keyframes by changing the End value from 0% to 100%. This made the lines appear gradually.

I also used Easy Ease to make the animation smoother and adjusted the timing of each layer.

Finally, I previewed the animation and made some adjustments to complete my line graph animation.

（2）Final Outcome

For my final result, I created a simple animated line graph with three different coloured lines on a black background. The lines appear gradually, creating a motion graphic effect.

（2）Feedback

Week3 

During the lesson, the lecturer demonstrated how to create animated charts using After Effects. I followed the steps from the class and practised using Trim Paths and keyframes to animate my line graph.

（3）Reflection

Through this exercise, I learned how to create a line graph animation using After Effects. I also learned how to use Trim Paths and keyframes to control the movement of lines. This exercise helped me understand how motion graphics can make charts more visually interesting.

2.4 Week4

 Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H

（1）Process Work

Process

Step 1: Research and Planning

Before starting the design, I collected information about Disney castles in different theme parks, including Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

I decided to organize the information into different sections so that viewers could easily understand and compare the castles. I planned to include a world map, a timeline, architectural features, a colour palette, a scale chart, and some fun facts.

I also chose a blue and pastel colour scheme because I wanted the poster to have a bright, cheerful, and magical atmosphere that matched the Disney theme.

Step 2: Drawing the Castle

I started by creating the main castle illustration. I used simple lines and geometric shapes to draw the structure of the castle, including the towers, pointed roofs, windows, flags, and main entrance.

I first worked on the outline of the castle and adjusted the proportions of the different parts. Some areas, especially the smaller towers and windows, required more attention because there were many details.

After completing the line drawing, I added colours to the castle. I mainly used blue for the roofs, light pink for the walls, and yellow for some decorative details. I wanted the illustration to look simple and clean rather than too realistic.

Step 3: Designing the Layout

After finishing the castle illustration, I placed it in the centre of the poster as the main visual element.

I arranged the information around the castle using rounded white boxes. This helped separate the different sections and made the information easier to read.

I used a large title at the top to make the theme clear. I also added clouds and a blue background to make the poster feel more lively and to create a fairytale atmosphere.

During this stage, I adjusted the spacing, text sizes, and positions of the different elements to make the overall layout more balanced.

Step 4: Applying the L.A.T.C.H. Principles

I applied several L.A.T.C.H. principles to organize the information in my poster.

Location: I created a world map to show where different Disney theme parks are located, including Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai. I used different coloured icons to identify each location.

Time: I included a timeline showing important years related to Disney castles, such as 1955, 1971, 1992, and 2016. This allows viewers to understand the development of Disney castles over time.

Category: I organized the architectural features into separate categories, including the spire, towers, arch, and flags. I also included a colour scheme section to show the main colours used in the castle illustration.

Hierarchy: I created a bar chart to compare the scale of different Disney castles. The different bar heights help viewers understand the size differences more easily.

By combining these principles, I was able to present different types of information in a more structured and understandable way.

Step 5: Adding Details and Final Adjustments

Finally, I added a Fun Facts section at the bottom of the poster. I used simple icons, such as Mickey Mouse, fireworks, a crown, and a heart, to make this section more interesting.

I checked the alignment, colours, and text placement to make sure everything looked consistent. I also adjusted the contrast between the blue background and white information boxes so that the text would be easier to read.

After making these final adjustments, I completed my Disney Castle infographic poster.

（2）Final Outcome

This is my final L.A.T.C.H. infographic poster about Disney Castle.

The main castle illustration is placed in the centre, while the information is arranged around it in different sections. I used a blue background, pastel colours, and simple vector illustrations to create a cheerful and magical feeling.

The poster includes a location map, timeline, architectural features, colour scheme, scale comparison, and fun facts.

I am quite satisfied with the final result because the information is organized clearly, and the overall design looks consistent. I also like how the castle illustration became the main focus of the poster.

Fig 2.2 Final Outcome

（3） Feedback

During this exercise, I focused on making the information clear and keeping the visual style consistent.

I will continue to review the layout, readability, and use of the L.A.T.C.H. principles based on the lecturer's feedback.

（4）Reflection

Through this exercise, I learned more about how to organize information using the L.A.T.C.H. principles. Before doing this assignment, I mainly focused on making designs look attractive, but this exercise helped me understand that information design is also about making content easier for people to understand.

One of the challenges I faced was drawing the castle because it contained many different towers, windows, and small architectural details. I had to spend time adjusting the shapes and proportions to make the illustration look balanced.

Another challenge was arranging the information around the castle without making the poster look too crowded. I tried different placements and adjusted the spacing to keep the design clean and readable.

I think the most successful part of my poster is the combination of the main castle illustration and the information sections. The colours and layout work well together and help create a consistent visual style.

If I had more time, I would improve some of the smaller details and make the information sections more refined.

Overall, this exercise helped me improve my illustration, layout, and information visualization skills. I also gained a better understanding of how to combine visual design with clear information organization.

Overall Reflection – Exercise 1–4

Through these four exercises, I learned different ways to present information clearly and creatively.

In Exercise 1, I learned how to turn data into a physical visualisation using rubber bands. Exercise 2 helped me understand the L.A.T.C.H. principles and how to organise information through my Disney Castle infographic.

In Exercise 3 and Exercise 4, I learned how to use Adobe After Effects to create vector animations and animated charts. I became more familiar with keyframes, position, scale, rotation, and timing.

At first, some of the animation techniques were difficult for me, but through practice, I gradually became more confident using the software.

Overall, these exercises helped me understand that information design is not only about making things look attractive, but also about making information easier to understand. I hope to apply these skills to my future projects and continue improving my design and animation abilities.