Information Design - Exercises
2/2/2025 - 20/3/2025 / (Week 1 - Week 7)
An Hongzheng / 0378415
Information Design / GCD60504
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
TABLE OF CONTENT
3. Exercise 1: Quantify Data
4. Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H
5. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1.1: Module Information
Lectures
1. Continuous Assessment Overview
The first two weeks focus on individual exercises (20%).
Week 1 specifically introduces Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data (10%).
2. Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data
Objective
The task is to quantify (count) selected objects and arrange them into a presentable visual layout or chart.
The final outcome must be photographed and submitted.
Task Description
Students are required to:
- Choose a set of objects
- Count and organize them
- Arrange them visually to represent data
- Present the information clearly and creatively
The emphasis is on both:
- Clarity of information
- Visual presentation (aesthetic quality)
Deadline
Week 1 submission
3. Requirements
- Information must be presented as it is (no manipulation of data)
- Objects must be physically arranged
- Use handwritten indicators (with pen) to show quantities or categories
- The final arrangement must be photographed
- Upload the result to the assigned Google Drive folder
4. Key Instructions
- Keep the design simple
- Ensure the information is clear and understandable
- Make the presentation interesting and visually engaging
- Both aesthetic quality and information delivery are important
5. Suggested Approach (Option 1 from Slides)
Jar of Stuffs
Students may:
-
Use a container (e.g., jar) filled with similar items
(such as buttons, candies, or coins) - Sort and organize the items into categories
- Arrange them visually to represent the data
6. Visual Examples (From Slides)
The slides demonstrate:
- Different ways of sorting and arranging objects
- How data can be presented visually using real items
- Final outcomes that show clear and structured data representation
7. Key Focus of the Exercise
- Transform quantitative data into visual form
- Use physical objects as a medium of information design
-
Balance between:
- Aesthetic presentation
- Effective communication of data
L.A.T.C.H Principle
L.A.T.C.H is a method used to organize information visually. It stands for:
- Location
- Alphabet
- Time
- Category
- Hierarchy
These principles help structure data so that it is clear, meaningful, and easy to understand.
Exercise 2 Overview
Students are required to create a visual infographic poster using at least four L.A.T.C.H principles. The goal is to organize a group of information into a clear and engaging visual format.
Requirements
- Use digital software to design the poster
- Poster size: 1240 × 1750 px or 2048 × 2048 px
- Reuse existing images if needed, but create original visuals to complete the design
- Keep the design simple, clear, and visually interesting
Key Focus
This exercise emphasizes:
- Organizing information effectively
- Combining multiple structuring methods
- Balancing aesthetic design and information clarity
Exercise 1 - Quantify Data
Figure 3.1
- Most students chose coins and Lego bricks for this exercise, but I didn't want to use the same materials as everyone else, so I thought of using a keyboard. Categorizing and processing information on a single keyboard is very complex and tiring.
- When I first started this exercise, I hadn't fully grasped the key points, and my information processing was very rough.
- I only categorized the information based on the keyboard's functions.
Figure 3.2
- I only categorized the information based on the keyboard's functions.- I retained the functional categorization as the primary method for processing information.
- I added a color-based categorization method.
- I grouped the keys as much as possible by keycap size.
- I added keycap count statistics for each functional group and the number of keys for each color group.
- I replaced the previously cluttered background with a solid-color paper background.
- I used a ruler to draw clear outlines instead of the original brush.
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| Figure 3.1 |
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| Figure 3.2 |
- I retained the functional categorization as the primary method for processing information.
- I added a color-based categorization method.
- I grouped the keys as much as possible by keycap size.
- I added keycap count statistics for each functional group and the number of keys for each color group.
- I replaced the previously cluttered background with a solid-color paper background.
- I used a ruler to draw clear outlines instead of the original brush.
Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H
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| Figure 3.3 |
- The game is a recent release, and the image resources are clear enough.
- The genre and style are suitable for L.A.T.C.H. practice.
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| Figure 3.4 |
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| Figure 3.5 |
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| Figure 3.6 |
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| Figure 3.7 |
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| Final Image |
REFLECTION
In Week 1, I completed two exercises: Exercise 1: Quantify Data and Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H infographic. These tasks introduced me to the fundamentals of information design, especially how to organize and present data visually.
For Exercise 1, I worked with physical objects by counting and arranging them into a visual layout. This process helped me understand how raw data can be transformed into a clear and structured visual presentation. I realized that simply collecting data is not enough; the way the information is arranged plays an important role in how easily it can be understood. Keeping the design simple while maintaining clarity was a key challenge.
For Exercise 2, I applied the L.A.T.C.H principles to organize information into an infographic poster. This exercise required me to think more carefully about how to structure content using methods such as category, hierarchy, and sequence. Compared to the first exercise, this task focused more on digital design and composition. I found it challenging to combine multiple organizational principles while keeping the design clear and visually engaging.
Overall, these exercises helped me understand the importance of balancing aesthetics and information clarity. I learned that effective information design is not just about making visuals look good, but also about ensuring that the message is communicated clearly. Moving forward, I aim to improve my ability to organize information more efficiently and present it in a more structured and visually appealing way.
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