Information Design - FLIP Topics & Class Exercises

11 Jan 2023 - 02 Feb 2023 (Week 1 - Week 4)

Vincent Lee // 0359386

Information Design // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's University

FLIP Topics & Class Exercises

Section 1

LIST

FLIP Topics

Class Exercises

Feedback

Reflection

Lectures

Week 1_Module Briefing

Folders Setup in Drive

1) Mr. Martin brief us on our module and informed where to obtain all the class materials, updates, as well as the softwares needed for this module.

2) Inform of the folders setup in Google Drive.

3) Overview of the projects to be done in the coming weeks.

4) Form a team with members from same section.

Instructions

Drive Submission Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1W4epAggel1bOlLIAwfzzkNPf6zfYCSgX?usp=share_link

FLIP TOPICS

FLIP 1: Types of Infographics

Group Task:

Identify different types of infographics
Explain the kind of information each type is applicable for
Provide an example for each identified type

Figure 1.1 - Types of Infographics by Group 4 - slides, Week 3 (12 Jan 2023)

Individual Task:

Re-design a poorly constructed infographic from the internet
Conduct experimentation on selected tools during the re-design process
Document the re-design process and final result
Provide a personal rating and review based on the selected tools used

Figure 1.2 - Design Process - slides, Week 3 (12 Jan 2023)

Final Re-Design of Infographic Poster

As previously I did not study well on the instructions given, thus I decided to redo this task by referring to the references links provided in the lecture slides. Moreover, the comparison of posters and personal rating of selected tools are recorded in the slides in Figure 1.2.

FLIP 2: L.A.T.C.H

Group Task:

Present an explanation of the topic
Provide examples or scenarios of what information best utilised with each principle:

Location
Alphabet
Time
Category
Hierarchy

Figure 1.3 - L.A.T.C.H Infographics by Group 4 - slides, Week 2 (19 Jan 2023)

FLIP 3: Miller's Law (Chunking)

Group Task:

Present an explanation of the topic
Provide an example of how to best utilize this technique in terms of visual delivery for each of these approaches:

A well-designed infographic
UX/UI, web, app, games (screen-based)
Processes (e.g. Project 1 brief or other topics)

Figure 1.4 - Chunking by Group 4 - slides, Week 3 (26 Jan 2023)

FLIP 4: Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto
Group Task:

Present an explanation of the topic
Find one example of how to best display and utilize design for each of the directives:Compare
Present one well-designed infographic that best illustrates the 9 directives for information visualizations
Present one poorly designed infographic that failed to address the directives

Figure 1.5 - Manuel Lima’s 9 Directives Manifesto by Group 4 - slides, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Class Exercises

Week 1.1_Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics means Graphics in Movement. Motion graphics is a type of animation that transforms static designs into moving pictures. The animations are typically in two- or three-dimensional format and sometimes have sound.

Motion graphic designers use software programs to create visual narratives digitally or on television. Motion graphics are used in videos and for apps, games, advertisements, and anywhere movement is required to connect with the audience.

How to Think Motion

- Abstraction
- Rhythm
- Reading Time

4 Main Steps to create Motion Graphics
- Write a Script that tells a Story.
- Storyboard while you Brainstorm the Visual Treatment.
- Take your Storyboards into Design.
- Animate the Final Designs.

4 Types of Animation

- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Stop Motion Animation
- Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics Anatomy

- Text Animation: Kinetic Typography
- Vector Animation: Graphics Elements created in AI.
- Chart Visualisation
- Character Animation: Wiggling.

Individual Task:

- Recommend 3 Professional Motion Graphics with Rationals and Inspirations.

Video 1: Fenn Rosenthal - Dinosaurs in Love (feat. Tom Rosenthal)

The art style is simple and the narrative is so touching. The author doesn't implement any complicated neither any professional skills to illustrate the love of two different breed's dinosaurs. Moreover, the colour scheme used match perfectly with the story.

Video 2: Motion Cue - Think Ideas Motion Graphic Explainer Video

When I first this video, it reminds me of Kinetic Typography. In this video, although it was started with typography kind of art style as it mostly playing with words, then by implementing design elements such as shapes and line and combine both together has impressively convey the innovative and direct idea /concept of that particular company.

Video 3: Small Pond - Interpretation of a common sleep cycle.

Compared to the first and second video, this motion graphics is complicated and require high skilled in using Illustrator and etc. In this video, I like how they interpret the cycle of sleep and match the graphics with sound that was quite creepy. Besides, good choice in the selection of colour, I also like how they use Chiaroscuro to present the story as it elevate the overall visual.

Week 2_Kinetic Typography Tutorial

Individual Task:

- P!nk - So What

Today, Mr Martin step-by-step guide on how to do kinetic typography. The design process is as shown below:

Figure 1.6 - Composition Settings, Week 2 (19 Jan 2023)

Figure 1.7 - Footage, Week 2 (19 Jan 2023)

- Paragraph

- Guild Lines

- Title Safe

Figure 1.8 - Timeline Panel, Week 2 (19 Jan 2023)

- Layers (Texts and Music)

- Null Object - Parenting

Final Output

Figure 1.9 - Final Kinetic Typography_Tutorial, Week 2 (19 Jan 2023)

Week 3_Motion Graphics Chart

Although this a class exercise, but it is under the sub-task (Exercise 4) of Project 2. Below are the final output and the design process are documented here.

Figure 1.10 - Final of Exercise 4: Motion Graphics Pie Chart, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Week 4_Vector Animation

For this week, we were guided on vector/ character animation and the tools for this task are Adobe Illustration (AI) and Adobe After Effects (AE). We followed the tutorial video and practical slides provided by Mr. Martin to complete this task.

Figure 1.11 - Vector/ Character Animation, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Design Process

Figure 1.12 - Attempt 1_Separating Layers, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Figure 1.13 - VA_Basic Transform Properties, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

After adding keyframes to each layer, I also applied 3D layer, motion blur and keyframe assistant - easy ease.

Figure 1.14 - VA_Advanced Transform Properties, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

In order to achieve the bouncing effect, compliance to the tutorial video demonstrated by Mr. Martin, I increase slightly the X and Y values before it has reach to the last keyframe.

Figure 1.15 - CA_Advanced Transform Properties, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

In Fig 1.15, we were asked to apply rotation effect (wiggle) to the palm of the standing men and use puppet position pin tool to apply a nodding effect to the head of the standing lady.

Figure 1.16 - Outcome of Attempt 1, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Upon completion of applying the effects, I realised that I exported the whole character (men standing) without separating the arm to another layer. Thus, the wiggle effect could not be seen clearly. To compensate this, I need to redo the process in Figure 1.12.

Figure 1.17 - Attempt 2_Separating Layer, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

In this attempt, I separate the entire arm from the men standing layer to a new layer then import the ai. file to Adobe After Effects (AE) again.

Final Output

Figure 1.18 - Final Vector Animation_Tutorial , Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Upon importing the adjusted layer, I re-applied the effects used in the previous attempt.

Feedback

- no feedback recorded

Reflection

During the 8-week learning journey, I had fun and the workload was manageable. The lecturers were helpful and provided guidance to complete each task. I learned a lot about visualising data using coins, which is a cool way to show information. Organising information in posters using LATCH theory is easy to understand. I also learned how to make cooking easier by using pictures and animations to explain complicated steps and ingredients. I found out that moving pictures and words (motion graphics and kinetic typography) can help to explain things in a fun way. Illustrating and animating based on a script and audio about burnout was tough, but working with my team was enjoyable. Overall, I gained many new techniques and knowledge on how to use After Effects. I'm glad I had this opportunity to learn, and I'm excited to use what I've learned in future projects.

Quick Links

Exercises

Project 1: Instructable Infographics

Project 2: Motion Graphics

Final Project: Animated Infographic