Information Design - Project 1: Animated Infographic Poster

17.2.2024 - 5.3.2024 / Week 03 - Week 05
Tan Zhao Yi / 0363285
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1: Animated Infographic Poster


INSTRUCTION



LECTURE

Lecture 3: Miller's Law of Memory
INLINE millerslaw
The human brain can typically hold around seven items in short-term memory, with a range of plus or minus two, beyond which information is often forgotten.

Miller's law highlights the limitations of human cognition, as our brains can process only a limited amount of information in communication but may not always fully retain it.

Making choices is difficult, especially in a world of endless possibilities, and our ability to retain more than seven pieces of information at once is limited, often lasting less than 30 seconds.
Our brain can only process a limited amount of information at a time, making it difficult to fully grasp and recall everything. To address this, clustering information into smaller chunks aligns with Miller's rule, allowing our short-term memory to retain and process data more effectively.
Lecture 4: Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto
Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto is a set of guiding principles for designing information visualizations, emphasizing clarity, meaning, and human-centric design. These directives challenge traditional data visualization approaches and encourage a more thoughtful and responsible way to present complex information.   

1. Form follows function: Prioritize clarity and purpose over aesthetic appeal; the design should serve the data, not the other way around.   
2. Interactivity is key: Enable user engagement and exploration instead of static representations.   
3. Cite your Source: Always provide accurate references and acknowledge data sources to maintain credibility and transparency in your visualizations. Misleading or unverified information can undermine the integrity of your work.
4. The Power of Narrative: Structure your data in a way that tells a compelling story. Effective visualizations should guide the audience through insights and create meaningful connections rather than just presenting raw data.
5. Do Not Glorify Aesthetics: While design is important, it should never overshadow the purpose of the visualization. Prioritize function over form, ensuring that beauty enhances comprehension rather than distracting from it.
6. Look for Relevancy: Only present data that is meaningful and necessary for the intended audience. Avoid cluttering visualizations with excessive or unrelated information that could dilute the main message.
7. Embrace Time: Factor in the temporal and spatial context of the data to create meaningful visualizations.   
8. Aspire for Knowledge: Focus on creating visualizations that contribute to understanding and discovery. The goal should be to reveal patterns, insights, and knowledge rather than just presenting numbers or statistics.
9. Avoid Gratuitous Visualizations: Do not overcomplicate visual representations with unnecessary elements. Every design choice should serve a clear purpose, ensuring that the visualization remains intuitive and effective.
Lecture 5: Constructive Workflow
A constructive workflow refers to a structured and efficient process that focuses on building, improving, and iteratingon a project or task in a productive way. It emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous refinement to achieve the best possible outcome.

1. Understand the Question

  • Clearly define the problem or objective.
  • Identify key requirements and constraints.
  • Research relevant background information.

2. Construct a Strategic Plan

  • Evaluate data & information – Gather insights and analyze relevant details.
  • Identify pros and cons – Weigh different approaches before deciding on a direction.
  • Create a content creation plan – Outline steps, allocate resources, and set timelines.
  • Understand your outcome – Define expected results and ensure alignment with goals.
  • Build case studies – Reference real-world examples or past experiences to guide decisions.

3. Fill in the Blank

  • Create empty folders as a structure – Organize your workflow from the start.
  • Fill in each folder with progress – Document and track each step systematically.
  • Synchronize all working files for each software requirement – Ensure seamless integration across tools and platforms.

4. Get Some Ideas & Inspiration

  • Explore references, trends, and similar projects.
  • Use brainstorming sessions, mood boards, or mind maps.
  • Consider different perspectives and approaches.

5. Set a Perimeter

  • Ideas are limitless – Encourage creativity but stay focused.
  • Time is a constraint – Manage deadlines and avoid overcomplicating the process.
  • Identify your strengths – Play to your skills and leverage expertise.
  • Reference is just a benchmark – Don’t just copy; innovate beyond existing solutions.
  • Solution is the answer – Keep the goal in mind and work towards practical, effective solutions.

Project 1
After the previous exercises that we have explored media and learn about information design, we will now develop an infographic that presents a series of different processes as visuals rather than text.

Our main goal is to analyse the delivery mechanism that affect the outcomes. Though content is important, however we need to look at what makes the infographic presentation work or doesn't work. 

A. Research
I searched for some infographic poster to redesign from Google and Pinterest. Here are some of my idea:

#1
Fig 1.1. Pizza Recipe
Although this information poster is fairly simplified, it lacks clear visual guidance, making it difficult for readers to know where to focus at first glance. The bright orange background reduces text readability, so the color scheme should be reconsidered. Additionally, the text should be larger and further simplified for better clarity.

#2
Fig 1.2. Basic Ratios to Cake Recipes

This poster contains an overwhelming amount of information, covering the basic ratios for classic white cake, original pound cake, 2-4-6-8 cake, and banana loaf. The excessive text creates a cluttered visual effect, making it difficult to read. Additionally, the use of only two colors may mislead readers into thinking the poster features just two cake recipes. The imagery could be more engaging by incorporating realistic or more colorful illustrations to enhance visual appeal. 

#3
Fig 1.3. Say Cheese Cheddar
This poster lacks a clear hierarchy, with information scattered randomly, making it difficult for readers to grasp the main topic at first glance. The use of multiple font styles creates inconsistency, and the varying graphic styles further contribute to a lack of visual cohesion. A more structured layout and consistent design elements would improve readability and clarity.
B. Sketch
I chose Reference 2, "Basic Ratio to Cake Recipes," as my final direction. To improve clarity, I will remove excessive information and focus solely on the basic ratio and step-by-step instructions for making a classic white cake.

I will change the topic name to "Bake the Perfect White Cake". Based on the reference, the ingredients are:
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups self rising flour
  • 3 eggs
Instruction:
1. Preheat oven to 350°C.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla.
4. Stir in flour.
5. Pour into 2x10 inch pans.
6. Bake for 20 - 30 minuites.

I started my sketches in Adobe Illustrator, focusing only on the poster layout. Each sketch includes the desired cake photos displayed at the top for reference.
Fig 2.1. Sketches in Adobe Illustrator

Sketch #1
Fig 2.2. Sketch #1
I added details about "decoration" to enhance the hierarchy and create a more structured layout. This sketch places emphasis on the center of the poster, with the cake as the focal point. The surrounding information expands outward in a clear and organized manner, ensuring better readability and guiding the viewer’s attention effectively.

Sketch #2
Fig 2.3. Sketch #2
Sketch #2 also features a cake at the center but in a side-view perspective. I separated the title into two lines, positioning one at the top and the other at the bottom, creating a stretched effect that makes the cake appear as if it’s emerging. The instructions and ingredients are then placed on the left and right sides for a balanced composition.

Sketch #3
Fig 2.4. Sketch #3
Sketch #3 places a strong emphasis on the information by positioning the instructions and ingredients at the center of the poster. This layout ensures that the key details are the focal point, making it easier for viewers to read and understand the recipe at a glance.
C. Digitalisation
I decided to digitize all the sketches because I was unable to choose just one. By presenting them in a more polished and complete form, I believe it will be easier for me to compare their effectiveness and make a more informed decision.

First I cropped out the cake in Adobe Photoshop, then started with drawing out the minor illustrations of the ingredients and instruction.
Fig 3.1. Cropped Cake

Fig 3.2. Drawing Ingredients in Adobe Illustrator

Next, I wrote out the details for each sketch to further refine the designs. Figure 3.3 presents a comparison of all the sketches, with their more detailed versions displayed below. During this process, I made several adjustments, as some of the words and icons did not fit properly within the spaces I had initially allocated for them. This refinement helped improve the overall layout and readability of the poster.
Fig 3.3. Sketch and Digitalisation
D. Development
After the consultation session, I decided to proceed with the poster on the left. This choice was made because it features a clearer and more structured layout, making it easier for readers to follow. At first glance, they can immediately recognize that the poster is about a cake. The design naturally guides the viewer's eye from the cake illustration to the list of ingredients, followed by the step-by-step instructions. A guiding line on the left further enhances readability, ensuring a smooth flow of information and an intuitive viewing experience.
Fig 4.1. Chosen Poster
I noticed that the steps positioned at the bottom appeared abrupt and somewhat disconnected from the overall visual composition of the poster. In comparison to the ingredients section, which had a more structured and visually engaging design, the steps section felt too plain and unbalanced. This made the overall layout seem incomplete or lacking in cohesion. 
To address this, I decided to enhance the visual appeal by incorporating illustrations of key elements from the steps. By doing so, I aim to create a more harmonious design that not only improves readability but also makes the instructional content more engaging and visually appealing.
Fig 4.2. Illustration and References
I positioned the illustrations alongside their corresponding text to create a clear and structured flow of information. Instead of using traditional numerical ordering, I opted for arrows to guide the reader seamlessly through each step.
Fig 4.3. Steps Development

Final Part I - Infographic Poster

Fig 4.4. Final Infographic Poster
Reflective Writing:
One of the main issues in my infographic was the alignment of text and icons. I incorporated a guiding line in my design, which may have unintentionally led viewers to believe that the content should be aligned to the left. However, my actual alignment followed a centered format, creating a possible misalignment perception. This discrepancy could cause confusion and disrupt the natural reading flow, making it difficult for viewers to navigate the information effectively. In future iterations, I would consider adjusting the alignment to match the guiding line or modifying the visual cue to better support the intended layout.  

Another challenge was the readability of the text. Since my poster contains a considerable amount of information, the text may not appear clear enough when viewed at a smaller scale. This issue arises particularly when the infographic is not viewed in full-screen mode. To address this, I could refine my typography choices by increasing font size, improving contrast, or simplifying the text presentation. Ensuring that key details remain legible across different viewing conditions is essential for maintaining accessibility and effectiveness.  

Despite these challenges, the process of designing this infographic was a valuable learning experience. I gained a deeper understanding of alignment principles and the importance of clarity in visual hierarchy. Moving forward, I will be more mindful of how design elements interact and influence viewers’ interpretations. By refining these aspects, I aim to create more cohesive and user-friendly visual designs that effectively communicate information to my audience.  That being said, I believe the poster successfully conveys the aesthetic I intended—one that is both elegant and simple. The choice of colors, typography, and overall layout contributes to a refined and clean visual appeal, making the design feel sophisticated while remaining easy to follow. Despite the minor misalignments and readability issues, the overall mood of the infographic aligns with my original vision. This balance between simplicity and elegance is something I strive to maintain in my future designs, ensuring that functionality and visual appeal work harmoniously together.
E. Animation
In Part II, we need to animate our infographic poster to a static loop animation page in around 15-30 seconds, in vertical size 1080 x 1920 px.

First, I decided to animate the cake at the center along with the illustrations of the steps. This approach ensures that the animation remains simple and engaging without becoming overly complex or distracting. The goal is to maintain clarity while adding an element of fun, making the visuals more dynamic and enhancing the overall presentation.

Animation Plan:
  • Spinning cake
  • Beeping oven
  • Stirring stirrer
  • Breaking egg
  • Clock ticking
  • Spoon stirring in the bowl
I will be animating them using Adobe Animate. I imported the layers from Illustrttor, then place them in place. Due to it has different size requirement, I had to place them again following the similar layout.
Fig 5.1. Poster made in Adobe Animate
  • Spinning cake
I started with spinning the cake first. I created a timeline from the first frame to the 21st, then create a motion tween. In the tweening properties, I set the rotation to clockwise, 1 round, 100 ease out.
Fig 5.2. Spinning Cake
  • Beeping oven
I added a red circle on top of the oven's temperature controller and changed its color from black to red to visually indicate that the oven is beeping. This subtle adjustment enhances clarity, making it more apparent that the oven is active and signaling.
Fig 5.3. Red Light on Oven
  • Stirring stirrer
I animated the stirrer frame by frame to ensure that only the beater moves. If I had converted it into a symbol, the entire stirrer would have moved together, which wasn't the intended effect. This method allows for more precise and controlled animation.
Fig 5.4. Animate Frame by Frame
  • Breaking egg
I separated the eggshells and the egg into different layers. This allows me to apply a classic tween to each shell individually.
Fig 5.5. Egg's Timeline
  • Clock ticking
Initially, I intended to rotate the minute hand clockwise, but this was not achievable using motion tween or classic tween. As a result, I had to animate it frame by frame. Instead, I positioned the minute hand at four key points—12, 3, 6, and 9—before returning it to 12. After that, the clock jumps twice to indicate that the time is up.
Fig 5.6. Clock GIF
  • Spoon stirring in the bowl
In the timeline, I inserted five keyframes, positioning the spoon sequentially at the left, bottom, right, top, and back to the left. Then, I applied a classic tween to create a smooth stirring motion in the bowl.
Fig 5.7. 5 Keyframes

A Quick Look at Animation:
Fig 5.8. Animation - Steps
Finally, when I previewed the GIF, I noticed that the cake was rotating too fast, which could make the animation feel overwhelming or uncomfortable for viewers. To improve the visual flow, I adjusted the rotation to slightly more than one full turn before gently bouncing it back to its original position. This modification helps create a smoother and more natural movement, making the animation easier to follow while maintaining a fun and engaging effect.

Final Part II - Minimal Animated Infographic

Fig 6.2. Final Part II - YouTube

Fig 6.2. Final Part II - GIF


FEEDBACK

Week 03
You can choose between #2 and #3. They have much more improvement space than #1.


REFLECTION

This project was a highly enjoyable and enriching experience. I was able to explore both static design principles and the dynamic aspects of animation, making the project even more engaging. Since the animation required only minor enhancements, it effectively brought the poster to life without overwhelming the visual content. Simple yet effective animations, such as subtle movements or transitions, helped to emphasize key points and maintain the viewer’s interest. This experience reinforced the idea that even minor animations can significantly enhance a design by making it more dynamic and immersive.

During the initial sketching phase, I explored different ways to establish a clear hierarchy within the poster. Experimenting with various arrangements allowed me to determine the most effective way to guide viewers' attention through the content. This process of discovery deepened my understanding of how layout and composition influence readability and visual flow. Overall, this project was a fun and rewarding experience that helped me refine my design skills while incorporating animation elements. It has given me a stronger foundation in both infographic design and motion principles, which I hope to apply to future projects.

Comments

Post a Comment