Information Design - Exercises

03/02/2025 - 13/02/2025 | Week 01 - Week 02

Wong Jia Yi Carmen | 0357198 | Section 04 Group 04

Information Design | Bachelor of Design (Hons) In Creative Media

Exercises 1 & 2

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LECTURES

Week 1: Types Of Infographics

fig 1.0 Types Of Infographics Week 1 (07/02/2025)

Infographics work wonders when it comes to raising engagement and captivating the audience's attention. 

An infographic is one of the powerful ways to convey an idea through visualization. In design and marketing, various forms of infographics are used to represent information in a simple and visually appealing manner. They can be effective alternatives to regular text-based content.

There are 8 types of infographics. Which are:

1. List infographics
2. Statistical infographics
3. How to infographic
4. Timeline infographics
5. Comparison infographics
6. Map and location infographics
7. Flowchart infographics
8. Process description infographics

01. List Infographics

fig 1.1 Example of a List Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

A list infographic is a type of informational graphic that conveys information through written lists. It's full of written copy but highly visual.

Like other types of graphics, it is catchy and usually comprises a wide range of design elements. Putting information into context with visuals appeals to reading and retains the statistic more efficiently.

02. Statistical Infographics

fig 1.2 Example of a Statistical Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

A Statistical Infographic is an infographic that contains pie charts, bar graphs, and any other visual representation of data.

It's easier to make sense of anything through a statistical infographic when there is a presentation of information through visual means in front of anyone.

Place percentage radials alongside brand illustrations in order to draw the audience in and hook them into reading the information.

03. How to Infographics

fig 1.3 Example of a How To Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

A how-to infographic is an image that details a method for doing something, such as solving a problem or completing a process.

This is quite useful as an alternative to lengthy blocks of text describing step-by-step details, such as proper hand washing or proper workplace setup, without overwhelming the viewer. The steps involved in the process are easier to internalize with a how-to infographic compared to those described by either a paragraph or written list.

04. Timeline Infographics

fig 1.4 Example of a Timeline Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

The timeline infographic is not only useful and informative but also catches the eye. Timeline infographics are one of the most diverse regarding their usage. When working on this type of infographic, icons and illustrations along a full length of a timeline, representing each point are very important.

05. Comparison Infographics

fig 1.5 Example of a Comparison Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

Comparison Infographics are one of the best types of infographics. It is the manner of comparing and contrasting 2 or more different options in a visually friendly way.

This type of infographic presents 2 or more alternatives side by side, hence helping the readers to understand the distinction between various concepts and, in many cases, choose which option that will suit them the best.

06. Map or Location Infographics

fig 1.6 Example of a Map/Location Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

A map/location infographic is amongst the most commonly utilized forms of infographics when talking about business or organizational context.

These can be utilized for several reasons, Commonly, people would resort to this in instances wherein demographic data and other location-related information need to be communicated.

07. Flowchart Infographics

fig 1.7 Example of a Flowchart Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

An infographic of a flow chart is basically graphically presenting some stream of information, for example, different steps of action.

A flowchart enhances the levels of engagement, although it does simultaneously provide a person with an outright clear view with respect to the process involved.

Since it guides people one by one, it tends to be personal, thereby striking familiarity with the potential.

08. Process Description Infographics

fig 1.8 Example of a Process Description Infographic Week 1 (07/02/2025)

A Process Infographic visually describes key elements, actions and steps of a process in order. It is a process of communicating technical information or a complex series of actions.

It's useful because it highlights the most important steps and simplifies the complex ideas by breaking them down, and then grouping them by category.

Week 2: L.A.T.C.H Theory

fig 1.9 L.A.T.C.H Theory Week 2 (10/02/2025)

"Information may be infinite, however... the organization of information is finite as it can only be organized by LATCH: Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, or Hierarchy. I've tried a thousand times to find other ways to organize, but I always en up using one of these five." - Richard Saul Wurman.

fig 1.10 The Latch System Week 2 (10/02/2025)

One of the most difficult tasks still a UX designer faces is how to organize information meaningfully and effectively. We might have worked on multiple projects spanning different industries, yet even today, when we start either organizing or restructuring information for a new website, we cannot but think: "Is this really making sense?" or "Am I using the organization principles properly?"

L.A.T.C.H Theory

01. Location

fig 2.0 Example of A Location Information Week 2 (10/02/2025)

This is the technique of organizing information based on its location. This give a spatial order to the information.

L.A.T.C.H Theory

02. Alphabet

fig 2.0 Example of A Alphabet Information Week 2 (10/02/2025)

Using an alphabetical organization scheme proves to be the most straightforward sorting method since every person recognizes the alphabet. 

We should verify that the genuine labels are capable of forging connections with user mental models.

L.A.T.C.H Theory

03. Time

fig 2.1 Example of A Time Information Week 2 (10/02/2025)

This scheme relies on the temporal; nature of the content to organize information in it. This works pretty well on Social Media Websites, where people would want to know about the most recent events in their contacts' lives.

L.A.T.C.H Theory

04. Category

fig 2.2 Example of A Category Information Week 2 (10/02/2025)

Organizing content on websites is done this way more than any other technique. 

The concept of Category applies to any distinctive grouping process from both website and audience viewpoints. Users must grasp the categories they create. The process of category design benefits from using the Card Sorting tool.

L.A.T.C.H Theory

05. Hierarchy

fig 2.3 Example of A Hierarchy Information Week 2 (10/02/2025)

Hierarchy refers to arranging information by any order, such as size, cost (Low to High or High to Low), popularity etc.

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INSTRUCTIONS

fig 1.0 Information Design's MIB Week 1 (07/02/2025)

Timeframe: Week 01 - Week 02

Description:

Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information (10%) - Quantity raw data and visualizer information as a photograph

Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H (10%) - Present information according to this principle as a designed poster

Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information (10%)

In this exercise, We are required to quantify our chosen objects and arrange them into a presentable layout or chart.

The information must be presented as is, and needed to arrange the objects with relevant indicators written out with pens to help you visualize the quantity and data. Examples of objects that can be used are buttons, coins, lego pieces, M&Ms, and more.

I decided to use coins as they are what I have right now.

fig 1.1 Pile Of Coins Week 1 (07/02/2025)

The next step was to sort them out by stacking them, and I sorted them out by the value of the coins. 

fig 1.2 Value Of The Coins (Stacked) Week 1 (07/02/2025)

After that, I begin by designing the layout and at first I have no idea what am I doing but I do as I go...

fig 1.3 Attempted #1 Week 1 (07/02/2025)

Here I sorted them out from the old coins (silver coins) to the new coins (gold coins), depending on the value of the coins, some old coins still remain the silver colour coins. 

I thought this was kinda messy to look at and boring so I tried again.

fig 1.3 Final Attempted #2 Week 1 (07/02/2025)

I lay out them as a pattern as a flower.

Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H (10%)

In this exercise, we were to group information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the L.A.T.C.H principles (Minimum 4).

I decided to go for Coffee drinks as it is what I'm interested in.

And here are my references.

fig 1.4 References and Idea Week 2 (13/02/2025)

I decided to go for "Coffee Culture" in Italy because coffee is popular in Italy. First, I write out all the necessary information in Google Docs so I won't get confused and lost.

fig 1.5 Information In Google Docs Week 2 (13/02/2025)

I only decided to go for L.A.T.C as the minimum is 4. The reason why I chose Milan, Turin, Venice and Naples for the locations in Italy is because coffee is famous there and most of the coffee originated from these states.

For the alphabet, is the different coffee drinks names.

For the time, is the year of the coffee drinks brought in in the states of Italy.

Lastly, the category, is the type of the coffee drinks.

After I got my information, I moved on to sketching the layout of how I wanted my poster to be. 

fig 1.6 Sketch #1 Week 2 (13/02/2025)

fig 1.7 Sketch #2 Week 2 (13/02/2025)

fig 1.8 Sketch #3 Week 2 (13/02/2025)

I don't know which layout to choose so I decided to just try it out and play around to see which one suits the best.

I first sketch out the map of Italy.

fig 1.9 Sketches Of Italy Map and The States Week 2 (13/02/2025)

Then I put all the information.

fig 1.10 Information and Visuals Week 2 (13/02/2025)

And here is the first attempt.

fig 2.0 First Attempt Week 2 (13/02/2025)

After consulting with Mr Shamsul, he said it was too boring and simple and that I should make it more interesting. 

And so I begin by playing around again...

fig 2.1 Second Attempt Week 2 (13/02/2025)

fig 2.2 Third Attempt Week 2 (13/02/2025)

I decided to go for the third attempt as the second one, the background for the coffees are different colours from the states's background colour. I'm worried people might not understand.

fig 2.3 Preferred LATCH Infographic Poster Week 2 (13/02/2025)

After showing it to Mr Shamsul, he said that I should improve my Italy map as it is too simplified. And for the state's map at the bottom should be larger as it is too small to see.

So I begin with tracing the Italy map again.

fig 2.4 Process of Tracing the Italy Map Week 3 (20/02/2025)

And this is my final LATCH infographic poster.

fig 2.5 Final LATCH Infographic Poster Week 3 (20/02/2025)

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FEEDBACK

Week 1: Great on the layout and make sure to make some space to add the title on the paper.

Week 2: The topic is okay, play around with the layout.

Week 3: Retrace the Italy map again as it is too simplified.

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REFLECTION

My experience into information design was meaningful and absolutely captivating. First week we learn to quantifiable information which required transforming raw data into photography visuals. Data analyses require us to turn challenging information structures into simple and attractive formats that are easy to understand. The effective transmission of numbers and statistics through images provided both high engagement and strong memorability to the information presented.  

In week, we learn about the L.A.T.C.H ftheory through its component parts of Location, Alphabet, Time, Category and Hierarchy. The task of developing an infographic poster utilizing this framework revealed the remarkable power that organization possesses for better understanding. The structure established by the L.A.T.C.H framework enabled proper logical arrangement of information leading to a poster with easy-to-understand content. Arranging information in a strategic way turned out to be gratifying since it steered viewers toward key details and transmitted ideas directly without causing confusion.  

I have developed deeper knowledge about the communication of data through quantifiable information and L.A.T.C.H theory. My understanding of basic information design concepts reveals a deeper meaning than visual appeal includes providing clear content and serving its purpose.