Information Design - Exercise 2

Ruchira Nowreen || 0347111
Major: Bachelor of Software Engineering || Minor: Creative Media Design || Taylor's University
Information Design GCD 60504 || Section 2
Week 2 || 09/02/24 - 18/02/24
Exercise 2: L.A.T.C.H (10%)

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MODULE INFORMATION

Figure 1: Module information booklet

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LECTURE 

In the first week of our module, our lecturers presented us with a comprehensive lecture and provided detailed briefings on all the tasks we will be undertaking throughout the course. They outlined the objectives, expectations, and timelines for each task, ensuring that we have a clear understanding of the requirements and how to approach them. This initial briefing was crucial in setting the foundation for our learning journey, helping us to organize our time effectively and prepare for the upcoming challenges.

Figure 2: Lecture Slide - Exercise & Assignment brief 

In the third week, we presented our first flip presentation on Saul Wurman's L.A.T.C.H principles. These principles—Location, Alphabetical, Time, Category, and Hierarchy—form the foundation of effective information design. We explained each principle in detail, demonstrating how they can be applied to enhance the organization and presentation of information. Through examples, we illustrated the practical implementation of L.A.T.C.H in various contexts, emphasizing its role in improving clarity and engagement. This presentation not only showcased our understanding of information design but also honed our presentation skills and highlighted the importance of structured information delivery.

Figure 3: Flip Topic 2 || Week 3

Class Activity

Figure 4: Class activity for Exercise-2

During the practical session, our lecturer, Mr. Fauzi, used visual aids to demonstrate how the latch principle could be applied in the exercise.

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EXERCISE 2

In this exercise, we were instructed to create a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles, incorporating a group of information. The poster should be based on a topic of our choice or one provided, such as the Pokedex, FFXIV Bestiary, or Dinosaurs. The deadline for this exercise is Week 2, and the poster should have a size resolution of 1240 × 1750 pixels or 2048 × 2048 pixels. We are required to use a digital photo editing or illustration software to assemble the information into a LATCH infographic poster. While we can reuse images of the monsters, we must create the rest of the visuals ourselves to complete the poster. The key to this exercise is to keep it simple, present the information as clearly and interestingly as possible, and focus on aesthetic and narrative to deliver the information effectively.

Let's start by discussing LATCH, an acronym in information design that represents five principles for organizing information effectively:

• Location: Information is organized based on its spatial or geographic relationship. For example, a map uses location to organize information about cities or landmarks.
• Alphabet: Information is organized alphabetically, based on the order of letters in the alphabet. Dictionaries and directories often use this principle.
• Time: Information is organized based on a chronological sequence, such as historical events or a timeline.
• Category: Information is organized into categories or groups based on common characteristics. For example, animals can be categorized by species or habitat.
• Hierarchy: Information is organized based on levels of importance or significance. This principle is often used in organizational charts or rankings.

These principles can be used individually or in combination, depending on the context and the type of information being presented.

RESEARCH

I began my project by selecting the website https://pokemondb.net/pokedex/ as the source for information. Navigating through the Pokémon listings, I carefully chose four Pokémon, each representing a different type, to feature in my poster. 

Figure 5: The website used

I chose to focus on four Pokémon types: grass, fairy, water, and ice. My objective was to illustrate their evolution, including their names and national IDs. Additionally, I planned to depict their habitats in my infographic poster. The images below depict the Pokémon I have selected to feature in my project.

Figure 6: The chosen Pokemons

VISUAL REFERENCES

After gathering all the necessary information about the Pokémon, I proceeded to visually research on Pinterest. I found several images that caught my attention and used them as references to help me create my poster. These images provided me with inspiration and ideas for the design and layout of the poster.  By incorporating these references, I ensured that my poster was not only visually appealing but also structured in a coherent and engaging manner.

Figure 7: Visual references

SKETCH

Next, I sketched out my rough concept for the poster, drawing inspiration from the visual references I had gathered.

Figure 8: Rough sketch of the poster's layout

DIGITIZATION 

After gathering all the necessary information, I transitioned to Adobe Illustrator. There, I began creating the poster's background to complement the Pokémon images I had collected. I attached and compiled the Pokémon images onto the background, forming the visual centerpiece of my poster. Initially, I illustrated the island as the background for my poster using the pen tool, setting the scene for the Pokémon. Next, I drew the iconic Poké Ball using the pen tool and the curvature tool, a central element in the Pokémon universe, to add a touch of authenticity. Later, I incorporated the Pokémon images, carefully placing them within the design. As the final touches, I added all the necessary details using rectangle shapes on the top left and right to complete the infographic poster.

Figure 9: Work progress in Adobe Illustrator

First, I created the island illustration and incorporated it into the canvas. Initially, the poster only featured the island, which appeared plain. 

Figure 10: 1st attempt

To enhance the design, I decided to add a Poké Ball, which added more visual interest to the poster.

FINAL OUTCOME

Figure 11: Final poster

In this infographic poster, I have categorized four types of Pokémon: grass, fairy, ice, and water, to satisfy the LATCH principle 'C' (Category). For each type, I have shown their three evolution phases, satisfying the LATCH principle 'H' (Hierarchy). Additionally, I have mentioned the level or conditions for evolution on top of each arrow. I have included each Pokémon's name along with their national numbers. To satisfy the LATCH principle 'L' (Location), I have added a light indicator to show each type's habitat. For example, the water type Pokémon (Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise) is found near ponds or lakes, the grass type Pokémon (Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile) lives in forests, the fairy type Pokémon (Cleffa, Clefairy, Clefable) can be found in mountains, and the ice type Pokémon (Vanillite, Vanillish, Vanilluxe) can be found in cold climates or glaciers. In the top left corner, I have described the types' icons, and in the top right corner, I have added a list of Pokémon names in alphabetical order to satisfy the LATCH principle 'A' (Alphabet).

After receiving feedback from Mr. Fauzi on the poster, where he expressed overall approval but suggested enhancing the background with a deeper color to improve the elements' visibility, I created two additional posters with the same content but using a darker background.

Figure 12: Modified Final Poster 1 (with enhanced background color)

Here, I maintained the orange color theme but adjusted the gradient to be more vibrant and darker, enhancing the overall appearance.

Figure 13: Modified Final Poster 2 (with enhanced background color)

Here, I completely transformed the background by adding a galaxy image sourced from the internet. On top of this image, I placed a transparent rectangle with a white gradient in the middle, creating a glowing effect.

After reviewing my modified posters, Mr. Fauzi showed a preference for the space-themed design. This suggests that he found the cosmic elements and celestial backdrop more visually appealing and fitting for the project, especially considering its focus on the Pokémon universe.

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FEEDBACK

- Gather information about Pokémon types and their characteristics before starting the design process.

- Organize the information based on generation as hierarchy and type as category.

- Keep the design simple to ensure clarity and focus on information delivery.

- Create illustrations or backgrounds after organizing the information to effectively showcase the selected Pokémon types.

- Enhance the background color to make the element stand out more prominently.

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REFLECTION

In completing Exercise 2, I found the application of the LATCH principles in organizing information to be highly effective. By selecting Pokémon types and illustrating their evolution stages, names, and habitats, I was able to create a visually engaging and informative poster.

The process of designing the poster in Adobe Illustrator was both challenging and rewarding. It allowed me to enhance my skills in digital illustration and layout design. Incorporating the Pokémon ball and island illustration added depth to the poster, making it visually appealing.

One of the key learnings from this exercise was the importance of balancing aesthetics and information delivery. While designing, I had to ensure that the poster was visually appealing while also effectively conveying the required information. This exercise has further reinforced my understanding of effective information design principles, which I can apply to future projects.