Information Design - Exercises
23/9/2025 - 28/10/2025 / Week 1 - Week 6
Tay Yue Chern / 0373215
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Exercises 1 & 2
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INSTRUCTIONS
2.
LECTURES
3.
PROCESS WORK
4. REFLECTION
INSTRUCTIONS
Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information
We were asked to collect a set of small objects (e.g. buttons, coins, Lego
pieces, M&Ms) and turn their quantifiable features into a visual data
representation.
Steps:
1. Collect objects – We needed to choose a set of similar items.
2. Take a photo of all the objects before sorting.
3. Sort the objects into 2–5 categories (e.g. by colour, shape, size, or
pattern).
4. Arrange and label the objects on paper to form a visual chart or layout
that clearly shows the quantity in each category.
- We had to write relevant indicators (numbers, labels, titles) by hand.
5. Submit an E-Portfolio report that includes:
- Photo of objects before sorting
- Photo of sorted objects
- Photo of the final designed information layout
Exercise 2: LATCH Infographic Poster
For this exercise, we were asked to choose one topic of our choice and
create a poster design that visually organises information using at least
four of the LATCH principles — Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, and
Hierarchy.
We needed to use digital photo editing or illustration software to assemble
the information into an infographic poster. We could reuse some of the
images from previous exercises, but we had to design and create the rest of
the visuals ourselves to complete the composition.
Requirements:
- Poster size: A4, resolution 100 DPI
- Include an explanation showing how each LATCH component relates to one another
- Upload progress and submission link on our E-Portfolio
Submission:
- Final poster in JPG format
- E-Portfolio link attached to the submission
LECTURES
Week 2 - Type of Infographics
Fig 1.1 Week 2 Lecture Slides (Week 2, 30/9/2025)
Week 3 - L.A.T.C.H Theory
Fig 1.2 Week 3 Lecture Slides (Week 3, 7/10/2025)
Week 4 - Miller’s Law of Memory
Fig 1.3 Week 4 Lecture Slides (Week 4, 14/10/2025)
Week 5 - Information Architecture
Fig 1.4 Week 5 Lecture Slides (Week 5, 21/10/2025)
PROCESS WORK
Exercise 1: Quantifiable Information
During week 2’s tutorial, we were instructed to bring an A3 paper, coloured
pens, and a set of objects that could be categorised in different ways. The
exercise focused on sorting and arranging the objects to visualise data
creatively through physical composition.
I chose buttons:
|
| Fig 2.1.1 Unsorted Data - Buttons (Week 2, 30/9/2025) |
First, I started by sorting the objects by colour. It was the easiest way
for me to get a clearer and more intuitive understanding of the unsorted
data. This step also helped me observe the overall variety of the buttons
and think about other possible ways to categorise them later.
|
| Fig 2.1.2 Sorted by Colour (Week 2, 30/9/2025) |
Then, I realised that I could also categorise the buttons based on the
number of holes. Some buttons had no holes, while others had either two or
four. So, I decided to sort them according to the number of holes.
|
| Fig 2.1.3 Sorted by number of holes (Week 2, 30/9/2025) |
After that, I noticed that the buttons also had different patterns. However,
since the patterns were irregular and each one was unique, I decided to
group them into just two general categories, those with patterns and those
that are plain.
|
| Fig 2.1.4 Sorted by Patterns (Week 2, 30/9/2025) |
For the final outcome, where we needed to design a poster that tells a story
and presents information, I felt that the number of buttons and their
circular shapes gave me the idea to create something inspired by an LRT
(subway) map. So, I started experimenting with using different colours to
represent different lines.
|
| Fig 2.1.5 Final Design Draft (Week 3, 7/10/2025) |
|
| Fig 2.1.6 Final Design (Week 3, 7/10/2025) |
Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H Infographic Poster
During Week 4, after the final consultation for Exercise 1, Mr Fauzi asked
us to start finding our own topic for Exercise 2 and discuss with him. I
decided to focus on Malaysia’s mamak culture, using
Hierarchy as the main LATCH element to show the top-ranking mamak
food and drinks.
Hierarchy – I arranged the five items in a
structured order to show their significance as common and iconic mamak
favourites.
Time – Each item is connected to the time
Malaysians usually enjoy it, such as Roti Canai for breakfast or Maggi
Goreng for late-night meals. This helps illustrate how mamak culture fits
different moments of the day.
Location – Indicates where these items are
typically found, mostly in urban or city mamak stalls, linking to the idea
that mamak culture is part of everyday urban life.
Category – Divides the items into food and
drinks to make the information clearer.
Together, these four LATCH elements create a clear visual overview of
Malaysia’s mamak culture, showing what people commonly eat, when they enjoy
it, and where it is most often found.
I started with research to collect raw data, then organised the information
according to the LATCH principles. After that, I refined and selected the
most clear and straightforward content to include in my final infographic
poster.
Fig 2.2.1 Content Research for Malaysia's Mamak Culture (Week 4, 14/10/2025)
At first, my idea was to design it like a food pyramid, showing the top five
mamak must-haves arranged in a ranking format, as shown in Fig 2.2.2.
|
| Fig 2.2.2 Sketch 1 (Week 4, 14/10/2025) |
Then, I came up with the idea of designing five hands holding five trays of
dishes and drinks, with the other LATCH-related information written along
the arms, as shown in Fig 2.2.3. Each hand represents one of the five mamak
must-haves, arranged in a ranking order according to the research. The hands
symbolise the human and social connection within mamak culture, like how
people come together to enjoy these foods.
Placing the information along the arms was to create a smooth visual flow,
guiding the viewer’s eye from the trays of food (the main focus) to the
contextual details.
|
| Fig 2.2.3 Sketch 2 (Week 4, 14/10/2025) |
|
| Fig 2.2.5 Illustration Attempt for Sketch 2 (Week 4, 14/10/2025) |
 |
| Fig 2.2.6 Working Process (Week 4, 14/10/2025) |
Since I wanted to include the category, time, and location information, I made all the plates the same size to ensure enough space for these details. The food and drink images were recoloured and adjusted to appear more harmonious and visually consistent. For typography, I selected a handwritten-style typeface to reflect the casual and personal atmosphere of mamak culture, where menus and price tags are often handwritten or displayed informally.
 |
Fig 2.2.7 Infographic Poster Design (Week 5, 21/10/2025) |
For the background, I chose an iconic image of a mamak worker pulling teh tarik, a scene that strongly represents mamakculture and its lively, social atmosphere. I applied visual effects and adjustments to make the image fit better with the overall poster style, then reduced its opacity so it blends subtly into the background without overpowering the main visual elements.
 |
| Fig 2.2.8 Visual Effects (Week 5, 21/10/2025) |
 |
| Fig 2.2.9 Infographic Poster Design (Week 5, 21/10/2025) |
After the Week 6 consultation, Mr Fauzi preferred the version with a clean background instead of adding an image of a person. He also suggested adding ranking numbers, so I included numbers to indicate the order of the five dishes and drinks.
 | |
|
REFLECTION
Through this Exercise 1, I gained a basic understanding of how to categorise
and clearly present information. At first, I approached the task logically,
trying to find patterns and organise what seemed like complex data into clear
and meaningful categories. Later, I needed to think about creative yet
effective ways to display the information so that it could be easily
understood by viewers. I found this exercise very interesting and effective,
as it helped me learn how to balance logic and creativity in visual
communication.
Exercise 2 felt like a digital version of Exercise 1, and it was quite fun. We got to choose our own topic of interest, learn more about it, and structure the information based on our own understanding. Through this task, I gained a clearer idea of how to apply LATCH principles to present information in a clear and engaging way. It also helped me understand how visual hierarchy and layout can make information design not only accurate but also appealing to the audience.
Comments
Post a Comment