INFORMATION DESIGN / GCD60504 / Exercises

GCD60504 / INFORMATION DESIGN / EXERCISES

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Low Xin Er / 0374596 / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media

Information Design / Exercises

Lecturer / MARTIN CHONG YUH LIN

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MODULE INFORMATION

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Project Overview

The exercises in this module introduce the fundamental principles of information design and animation. Across four exercises, I explored data visualization, information architecture using the L.A.T.C.H. principle, vector animation, and animated charts. Each exercise focuses on developing technical skills while improving the clarity and effectiveness of visual communication.

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Progress & Challenges

Exercise 1: Quantify & Visualize Data (5%)

This exercise focused on transforming raw objects into meaningful visual information. I selected a collection of powdered drink sachets and documented them in two different compositions.

The first composition presented the products through quantification and categorization, while the second explored a more creative arrangement that enhanced readability and visual appeal without changing the original data.

Process
 

Fig. planning photos

Final Outcome

Fig.Data organization

Fig.Information visualization

Skills Learned

• Data organization
• Information visualization
• Visual composition

Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H. Infographic (5%)

This exercise focused on organizing information through the L.A.T.C.H. principle. I designed a Pokémon infographic by classifying Pokémon into four different categories, allowing the same dataset to be understood from multiple perspectives.

Instead of simply displaying the Pokémon, I explored how different methods of organization could improve readability and help viewers compare the information more effectively.
Process

Final Outcome

Skills Learned

• Information architecture
• L.A.T.C.H. organization
• Infographic layout
• Information hierarchy

Exercise 3: Vector Animation (5%)

This exercise focused on creating a simple interaction between a dog and a person using vector animation. I explored how basic movements, timing, and keyframes could bring static illustrations to life while keeping the animation clear and easy to follow.

The project also introduced me to the basic workflow of Adobe After Effects, allowing me to understand how simple motion can make visual communication more engaging.

Process

Fig.After Effects practice in class screenshots

Fig.After Effects progress of exe3

Outcome 1.0

Feedback

After the first presentation, I received feedback from my lecturer to further refine the animation. The improvements included adding a more natural curve to the man's arm movement, creating an entrance animation for the dog, and introducing a rolling ball from the bottom-right corner to make the interaction between the man and the dog more dynamic and engaging. These refinements helped improve the overall flow and storytelling of the animation.

Outcome 2.0

Skills Learned

• Vector animation
• Adobe After Effects
• Keyframe animation
• Motion timing

Exercise 4: Animated Chart (5%)

This exercise focused on transforming a static line graph into a motion graphic using Adobe After Effects. I recreated the chart by drawing the graph with shape layers and animating it using the Trim Paths feature to reveal the data over time. The task introduced the fundamentals of motion graphics while demonstrating how animation can make data visualization more engaging and easier to understand.

Process

Fig.Pie chart motion exercise in class

Fig.Line Graph - the sample need to redisgn and refine

Fig.Redesign the line chart in Adobe Illustrator

Final Outcome

Outcome 1.0

Feedback：修改背景，去除框架，美化设计。添加视觉顺序，大标题再到咨询，线条按照顺序出现。

Outcome 2.0

Skills Learned

Motion graphic animation

Adobe After Effects

Line graph animation

Shape layers & Trim Paths

Data visualization through motion

Kinetic Typography

This week's lesson introduced the fundamentals of kinetic typography and how animated text can enhance visual communication. Through classroom demonstrations and practical exercises, I explored essential animation techniques in Adobe After Effects, including text animation, keyframing, motion blur, and composition. The lesson also served as a preparation for the upcoming kinetic typography music video project.

Class Practice

During class, I practiced creating basic text animations in Adobe After Effects by applying different animation properties such as Position, Scale, and Opacity. I also explored keyframing, the Graph Editor, Motion Blur, and composition settings to create smoother and more dynamic text animations.

3D effect

Skills Learned

• Adobe After Effects basics
• Text animation
• Keyframing
• Graph Editor
• Motion Blur

FLIP Topic 1: Different Types of Infographics & Online Tools

Group Task

Our group researched different types of infographics and identified their purposes, suitable applications, and real-world examples. I was responsible for Timeline Infographic, where I explored how chronological layouts help audiences understand events and milestones in a clear and logical sequence.

Information Group2 by xiner low

Individual Task

For the individual task, I selected a free online infographic tool and redesigned a poorly constructed infographic. I documented the redesign process, compared the original and final versions, and evaluated the tool based on its usability, design templates, and overall user experience.

(Insert process screenshots, before & after comparison, and final redesign here.)

FLIP Topic 2: Saul Wurmanto LATCH

Group Task

This classroom activity introduced the L.A.T.C.H. framework, which organizes information using five different methods: Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, and Hierarchy. As part of the group presentation, I was responsible for explaining the Time principle and how chronological organization helps audiences understand events and changes over time.

FLIP Topic 3: Chunking

Group Task

This classroom activity introduced the Chunking, which process of breaking complex information into smaller, meaningful groups to make it easier to understand and process.As part of the group presentation, I was responsible for explaining the define of chunking and the core concepts & psychological basis.

Reflection