Information Design - Tasks and Exercises

6/02/2025 —13/02/2025 (Week 01 —  Week 02) 
JING KEYAO/ 0370732
GCD 60504/ Information Design/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Exercises 1 & 2

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Table of Contents:

1. Exercises

    Exercise 1 - Quantify & Visualize Data

    Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H Poster

2. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

Module Information Booklet

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Exercises

Exercise 01 — Quantify & Visualize Data

In the first exercise, we were instructed to create an informational chart using chosen objects which I selected M&Ms.

I began this exercise by selecting two types of candy—Original Skittles and Milk Chocolate M&Ms—as my objects of study. I chose them because they both offer a variety of colors and flavors, making them ideal for comparison and visualization. This step involved organizing the materials and preparing for data collection based on their visual and taste-related attributes.

Fig.1a.01

Here, I sorted the candies into two distinct groups: Original Skittles on the left and Milk Chocolate M&Ms on the right. This step helped me clearly distinguish the two sets and allowed for a basic observation of color distribution and quantity within each type. 

Fig.1a.02

In this stage, I grouped the candies by color. This visual layout makes it easier to compare how frequently each color appears within the two candy types. I noticed that certain colors (like yellow and orange) appeared more frequently, while others (like blue or green) were less common, especially in the M&Ms. This helped set the stage for more detailed analysis.

Fig.1a.03

The final chart organizes the data based on three main categories: color, flavor (for Skittles), and quantity. By aligning the candies in rows, I created a comparative visual that highlights the variety and distribution of both types. I also added a small summary at the bottom indicating the totals, which helped synthesize the information into a clean, digestible format. This chart emphasizes the power of simple visual tools to communicate complex data.

Fig_Final Exercise 1

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Exercise 02— L.A.T.C.H

I chose the lion head used in traditional lion dance as the subject of my information visualization. Through information design, my goal is to help the audience understand the components of the lion head and its cultural symbolism. 

- I decided to use Category to organize the information, grouping elements by different parts of the lion head (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, decorations).

- I also applied Hierarchy to distinguish between primary components and decorative details, making the key information stand out.

Fig_2a.01

- Category: Different colors were used to highlight key parts of the lion head (e.g., red for eyes, gold for decorations).

- Location: Connecting lines were used to indicate specific parts of the lion head, ensuring clarity in structural understanding.

Fig_2a.02

- Alphabet: Arranging elements in an A-Z sequence for an intuitive reading order.

- Category: Experimenting with different color schemes and line styles to visualize the hierarchical structure of the lion head.

Fig_2a.03-08

Fig_2a.09

- Hierarchy: Using font size and color contrast to emphasize key information.

- Location: Strategically placing visuals and text to ensure smooth information flow.

Typography refinement: 

- The title was set in bold, large fonts, while explanations used a smaller, sans-serif typeface for clarity.

- Guide lines were added to connect different parts of the lion head, helping the audience follow the information structure logically.

Visual Enhancements:

- Adjusting color saturation to prevent background interference with text readability.

- Using shadows and gradients to give the lion head a more three-dimensional look and enhance visual appeal.

Fig_2a.10

- Final

Final Poster_jpg

Final Poster_PDF

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REFLECTION

Through these two exercises, I gradually came to understand that the essence of information design lies in communicating data and concepts clearly and logically. In the first exercise, I realized that everyday life is filled with data that can be quantified and visualized. Once translated into visual form, even mundane details become engaging and easier to comprehend. This shifted my perception of data—from being merely numerical and analytical to something that can tell meaningful stories.

In the second exercise, I explored how to structure information using the L.A.T.C.H. principles, focusing specifically on “Hierarchy.” This method helped me uncover the underlying relationships among the images and provided a clear visual logic to guide the viewer’s attention. It also pushed me to think about how visual emphasis and structural clarity can work together to enhance communication.

These exercises have deepened my appreciation for the balance between form and content in design. Moving forward, I aim to integrate narrative and structure more seamlessly in my work, creating visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conceptually strong and emotionally resonant. I hope to continue developing the ability to design information in a way that speaks to both the mind and the eye.

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