Information Design - Exercises



6/1/20 - 15/1/20 (Week 1 - Week 2)
Ahmed Yaman Ibrahim (0341119)
Information Design
Exercises

LECTURE NOTES

Lecture 1: Quantifying and visualizing data
6/1/20 - 8/1/20 (Week 1)

In our first week, we were given a briefing of the subject as well as the first exercise, which was to learn how to quantify and visualize data by using buttons or LEGO bricks.

Lecture 2: L.A.T.C.H.
13/1/20 - 15/1/20 (Week 2)

During the second week, we were taught the how to apply the L.A.T.C.H. principles when organizing information.

INSTRUCTIONS

EXERCISE

Quantifying and visualizing data (Week 1)

For this exercise, we used LEGO bricks of different colors and sizes, and arranged them on paper in a way that could be quantified and visualized. I was given a set of yellow and orange LEGO bricks and I had to figure out a way to arrange them, so I first took note of how many there were for each size; I counted them by the number of studs on the bricks.

Fig. 1.1: Taking note of the number of LEGO bricks

Based on this, I came up with a rough layout I could work with.

Fig. 1.2: Experimenting with layouts 1

Fig. 1.3: Experimenting with layouts 2

I then split the pieces into sections on the paper based on the number of studs on the LEGO bricks.

Fig. 1.3: Sectioning the bricks by the number of studs

Finally, I laid them out on the paper based on these sections.

Fig. 1.4: Exercise 1 (Final)

L.A.T.C.H. (Week 2)

For this exercise, we were to create an infographic for a set of 4 Pokemon and organizing their information based on the LATCH principles. I started off by doing some sketches of the kind of layout and elements I wanted.

Fig 1.5: Exercise 2 (sketches)

Based on this I then began drawing out the map on Illustrator.

Fig. 1.6: Exercise 2 (digitizing progress)

Based on feedback from Mr Kannan, I made some minor adjustments and added a few more details.

Fig. 1.7: Exercise 2 (illustrated map)

I then added the rest of the details (the Pokemon and pointers/indicators). I tried not to make them too overbearing, but I did make use of the empty spaces on the map to include all the necessary details.

Fig. 1.8: Exercise 2 (FINAL)

FEEDBACK & REFLECTIONS

Week 1

Ms Anis and Mr Kannan gave us a lot of different pointers on how we can arrange our buttons/LEGO bricks but it essentially boiled down to how we could quantify them, and how we could arrange them in a way that is aesthetically pleasing based on that. It ended up taking some time to figure out, as I initially had no idea how to put them all together; eventually I had some idea of how to do it but I'm still not really sure if it was the best I could have done.

Week 2

Mr Kannan gave me a few suggestions on how I could improve the map layout and how I could make use of the empty spaces on the map; I readjusted my design accordingly. I wanted to make sure I did some justice to this as it was a big part of my childhood, so designing the poster took a bit longer than I thought it would.

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