Information Design - Final Project: Animated Infographic

12 Jan 2023 - 23 Feb 2023 (Week 1 - Week 7)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Information Design // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's University
Final Project: Animated Infographics
Section 1

LIST <span id="LIST"></span>

Task

Personal Burnout Experience
Group Task: Animated Infographic

Feedback

Reflection

Instructions

Drive Submission Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HdVaErFOYaTAY6Ji4zIhaEKSIjq1czZ7?usp=share_link

Topic: Burnout

Task 1

- Share personal burnout experience

Task 2

- Work in group, research on burnout and breakdown the information provided into parts, such as duration, scenes, visual suggestions, graphic etc.

- Use the materials provided, animated an infographic to inform audience about the topic given.

- Data /statistics should be included in the video

P1. Personal Burnout Experience
My personal burnout began in 2020 when Covid-19 started spreading around the world. At that time, I had no specific career goals, so my parents suggested that I find a job at a nearby mall. However, after I started working, my colleagues scolded and judged me for making mistakes. Moreover, the manager would curse in Cantonese, creating a dreadful atmosphere at work.

As a result, I began isolating myself from my family and friends, even declining social invitations. Things worsened when a group of Malays resigned due to the negativity, and I was suddenly asked to work in the kitchen. I was responsible for frying and grilling, but if I made a mistake, the manager would curse me in front of everyone. I was scared to work and contemplated quitting.

Despite being the youngest and most energetic, I was asked to work extended hours, which I agreed to, hoping to impress my superiors. However, after weeks of working non-stop, my body gave out, and I was physically unable to keep up. During the pandemic, the restaurant became popular, and daily sales increased from 2k to 10k. Unfortunately, as a startup, they were blinded by profits and taught us how to scam customers.We became exhausted, and there was no communication with the management. To make matters worse, they promoted me to a senior position even though I had only worked for seven months and was not equipped to handle the workload.

P2. Group Task - Animated Infographic on Burnout

1. Research

In week 1, before starting our design process on the topic, Burnout. We were asked to do research and below are the documented research outcome.

Figure 1.1 - Group Research on Burnout - docs, Week 1 (12 Jan 2023)

2. Script Breakdown and Mood Board

Fig 1.2 are the roles and tasks assigned based on each member's strengths.

Figure 1.2 - Roles and Tasks, Week 1 (14 Jen 2023)

During week 2, I was assigned the responsibility of breaking down the script into frames, and record the voice over timing was part of my duties. Afterwards, we have discuss on the visual suggestions before drawing.

Figure 1.3 - Script Breakdown and Visual Suggestions, Week 2 (19 Feb 2023)

Fig 1.4 and Fig 1.5 shows the references of the our character and the colour scheme that determined by Rachel and Xinyi.

Figure 1.4 - Character Reference, Week 2 (19 Feb 2023)

Figure 1.5 - Colour Palette, Week 2 (19 Feb 2023)

3. Visualise Sketches & Animatic Draft

In week 3, team illustrations (Jeremy, Xinyi and Rachel), was responsible for sketching a few frames of storyboards according to the visual suggestions.

Figure 1.6 - Week 3 progressions: Visualise Sketches (02 Feb 2023)

This animation is animated by Georgina Ong Kang Sze, to give Mr. Martin a preview on the art style of our animating infographic.

Figure 1.7 - Week 3 progressions: Animatic Draft (02 Feb 2023)

4. Storyboards and Animatic of "Burnout"

After a thorough discussion with all members involved, we unanimously agreed that Jeremy would be responsible for sketching the storyboards. This decision was based on his proven skills and experience in sketching and storyboarding.

Figure 1.8 - Week 4 progressions: Storyboards (08 Feb 2023)

Once the sketches of the storyboards were completed, Rui Ying and I were tasked to remark the animation and compose the storyboards with the provided audio. We carefully analyzsed the audio to ensure that the visual elements we created accurately conveyed the intended message before moving on to the next phase of the project.

Figure 1.9 - Timeline Panel, Week 4 (09 Feb 2023)

Figure 1.10 - Week 4 progressions: Animating of Storyboards (09 Feb 2023)

5. Finalise Visual, Art Direction & Assets Animated Infographics Draft

After receiving feedback, I improved the scripts by expanding the frames from 18 to 41 frames. During the process, I consulted with the team to discuss on the visual suggestions to fill up those empty frames or improve existing ones. We analysed the content of each frame, ensuring that it aligns with the intended message of the content.

Figure 1.11 - Script and Visual Suggestions (further expand), Week 5 (10 Feb 2023)

During week 5 and 6, illustrators (Rachel, Xinyi, Wai Kei and Jeremy) are given time, based on the visual suggestions in Fig 1.10, illustrate graphics (assets) with utilising Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 1.12 - Week 5 progressions: Assets in AI (13 Feb 2023)

Due to errors in expectations on the outcome, I made the decision to assign Lim Rui Ying to animate the first part of the scripts. This was based on her expertise in animation and her ability to effectively convey the intended message of the project.

Once the animation was complete, we presented it to Mr. Martin for feedback. This step was crucial in ensuring that the final product met his expectations and that any necessary adjustments could be made in a timely manner.

Figure 1.13 - Week 5 progressions: Burnout_pt.1_v.1 (13 Feb 2023)

6. (improvised) Animated Infographics

Figure 1.14 - Visual Suggestions (improvised), Week 6 (16 Feb 2023)

During week 6, there are minor inconsistencies on the colour used, thus below have documented the changes of frames.

Figure 1.15 - Week 6 progressions: Assets in AI (improvised) (18 Feb 2023)

With Mr. Martin feedback, Rui Ying was able to make the necessary adjustments to the animation, ensuring that it met the project's requirements. Moreover, Georgina and I have also started on animating the rest of the scripts.

Figure 1.16 - Week 6 progressions: Animating of Assets (23 Feb 2023)

7. Finalise Animated Infographics

During our last in-class consultation with Mr. Martin, he has suggested to discard the use of gradient. Thus we had altered based on his advises and illustrators are instructed to make their final amendment. Below are the changes made.

Figure 1.17 - Week 7 progressions: (Finalise) Assets in AI (25 Feb 2023)

After the assets are all updated with the latest, animators (Rui Ying, Georgina and I) was responsible to start animating with compliance to the feedback from Mr. Martin. The slides below are my animating process and the final outcomes:

Figure 1.18 - Week 7 progressions: Animating of Assets (27 Feb 2023)

8. Final Animated Infographics

Figure 1.19 - (Attempt #1) Compilation of Animated Infographic, Extended Week (02 Mar 2023)

Figure 1.20 - Final Project: Animated Infographic "Burnout", Extended Week (05 Mar 2023)

Feedback

Week 3

Fig 1.7 - Animatic Draft

simplify the background and character by using shapes to represent.
instructed to complete the storyboards and combine with the audio given.

Week 4

Fig 1.10 - Animating of Storyboards

Long sentences, advised to add more interesting visuals. Moreover, use graphics or text to emphasise keyword "Burnout"

Week 5

Fig 1.13 - Burnout_pt.1_v.1

Frame 1 & 2

Reduce the animation of the books and lamp and focus the animation on the character.
Dissolve (using opacity, position & rotation) the character for better transition to the next scene.

Frame 3 & 4

Take out frame 4 and use the graphics in frame 3. The character (right) drag the rope until it is broken and move out of the scene. Animate another character (left) raising up his hand weakly and drop down (showing the line “Feeling tired all the time, even when doing the smallest tasks.”).

Frame 5 & 6

Similar graphics in frames 5 & 6. Make the graphics in frame 5 dissolve to frame 6 for better transition. Drop down the grey background during the transition.

Frame 8

Change the font to a more interesting one. Distort each word in the shape of each stone to show the organic shapes of the stones. Add the words “emotional” “physical” and “mental stress” in the scene.

Week 6

Fig 1.16 - Animating of Assets (Burnout_pt.1_v.2)

Fig 1.16 - Animating of Assets (Burnout_pt.2 & pt.3_v.1)

Frame 15 &16

Instead of the lamp falling down, it should be the files dropping surround the character.

Frame 18

Animate the character jumping to touch the cloud but the cloud move away.

Frame 20 &21

The character is talking with friends then in another scene, the friends was gone, the character become sad.

Frame 31

Move the text (stones) outside of the lines tornado, and add more related issues which leads to overthinking.

Frame 32

Remove the border

Frame 35 & 36

Don't use gradient

Week 8

Fig 1.19 - (Attempt #1) Compilation of Animated Infographic

Frame 21

change the font of the text "Burnout"

Frame 22 & 26

text overlapping with the graphics

Frame 41

Graphics overlapping

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

FLIP Topics & Class Exercises

Exercises

Project 1: Instructable Infographics

Project 2: Motion Graphics

Vincent Lee | 0359386

Information Design - Final Project: Animated Infographic

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