Information Design - Exercise

Lim Jun Teng / 0362890
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (hons) in Creative Media
Exercise 1 & 2

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Instructions

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Exercise 1

Objective:

Transform raw data into a visual representation by organizing objects into quantifiable categories, making numerical information easy to interpret and analyze.

Instructions

Select and Categorize Objects:

Choose a set of objects and organize them based on quantifiable attributes such as color, shape, pattern, or other measurable factors.

Examples of Objects:

• Box of Lego pieces
• Jar of buttons
• Jar of marbles
• Collection of colorful rubber bands
• M&Ms, coins, or any other small, easily sortable items

Quantify and Visualize:

• Sort the chosen objects into 2 to 5 categories.
• Arrange them in a visually appealing layout or chart to represent the numerical data clearly.
• Use relevant indicators (e.g., labels, legends) written by hand to help visualize the quantities and categories.
• Ensure the information is presented accurately and intuitively.
  

Here are some of the steps I took during my exploration process：

I chose M&M candies as my object because they are colorful and easy to sort and count. I decided to categorize them into 6 groups based on their colors: red, brown, orange, yellow, blue, and green. This method of classification allows for a clear visual representation of the quantity of each color and enables further analysis of their proportional distribution within the overall set. Additionally, the distinct color variety of M&Ms makes them easy to arrange and photograph, making them an ideal choice for this data visualization exercise.

Final Submission :

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Exercise 2 - L.A.T.C.H Poster

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Create a visual poster that organizes information using at least four LATCH principles.
2. Use digital photo editing or illustration software to design the LATCH infographic poster.
3. You may reuse existing images, but the majority of the visuals must be created by you.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Poster size: A4
2. Submit progress and final work via E-Portfolio.

Here is some reference I found before starting my work:

After I done the research I have the Idea to this exercise, I choose the topic about The Timeline of Malaysia Under British Colonization as my topic because this historical period had a profound impact on Malaysia's cultural, political, and social development. By exploring key events and milestones during the colonial era, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of British colonization’s effects on Malaysia and convey the crucial details of this complex history to the audience.

A timeline is an intuitive and easy-to-understand method for presenting information, making it ideal for showcasing the evolution of historical events. Through this design, I can clearly illustrate significant events at different points in time, helping viewers grasp the continuity and changes in history.

Moreover, I have a strong interest in Malaysian history, particularly how the colonial period has shaped modern society. Through this project, I hope to enhance my information design skills and inspire the audience to reflect on and engage with Malaysia’s historical narrative.

Here is some sketches before I start my final work：

L.A.T.C.H. Analysis of My Infographic

L – Location 

My infographic includes key locations such as Malacca (Malacca Sultanate, Portuguese rule), Penang, Singapore, and Malaya, indicating the geographical regions affected by European colonization. However, the locations are not visually represented on a map, which could enhance clarity.

A – Alphabet 

While your infographic primarily follows a chronological structure, it could incorporate an alphabetical order for certain elements, such as listing colonial rulers (Portuguese, Dutch, British) in alphabetical order, or organizing key events under each colonizer’s rule accordingly.

T – Time

My infographic follows a clear chronological order, highlighting key historical events from 1400 to 1826. It shows significant milestones such as:

1400: The founding of Malacca.

1511: The Portuguese conquest of Malacca.

1641: The Dutch conquest of Malacca.

1786–1826: British colonial expansion in Malaysia.

The use of a timeline ensures that viewers can easily follow the sequence of events, making it a strong example of the Time principle in the L.A.T.C.H. framework.

C – Category 

I have structured my infographic into two main sections based on different time periods:

Before Colonial Rule – Covers the history of Malaysia before European colonization.

European Colonial Rule – This part highlights the key events and shifts in colonial powers from the Portuguese to the British.

H- Hierarchy 
I introduce hierarchy by emphasizing the most impactful historical events. Here’s how I apply this principle:

Major Events in Larger or Bolder Text：
For example, the key colonization years (1511, 1786, 1824) can be displayed in larger or bold text to highlight their importance.

Structuring Events by Importance:
I group events based on their significance, such as conquests, administrative changes, and major battles.

This is the 1st version I done my poster after that I realised I done by the wrong size 

L.A.T.C.H final poster

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Feedback

My infographic presents a well-structured timeline that effectively highlights key events in Malaysia’s colonial history. I successfully applied the Time (T) and Category (C) principles from the L.A.T.C.H. method, making the information clear and organized. The chronological arrangement of events from 1400 to 1826 allows viewers to follow the historical progression easily, while the division into Before Colonial Rule and European Colonial Rule helps categorize different time periods effectively.

However, there are areas that could be improved to enhance clarity and visual impact:

1. Location Representation: Although I included key locations like Malacca, Malaya, and Singapore, they were not visually represented on a map. Adding a geographical reference could have improved clarity by providing a spatial context for the events.
   
   
2. Hierarchy & Emphasis: The infographic lacks clear hierarchical emphasis. Using larger fonts, bold text, or distinct visual elements to highlight key dates such as 1511, 1786, and 1824 would make important historical milestones stand out more effectively.
   
   
3. Size Consistency: Initially, I used the wrong dimensions for the infographic, which required me to redo my design. This experience has taught me the importance of carefully reviewing project requirements before starting any work to avoid unnecessary revisions.

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Reflection

After completing my infographic on The Timeline of Malaysia Under British Colonization, I have gained valuable insights into both the topic itself and the process of creating an effective infographic. This project allowed me to explore the significant historical events that shaped Malaysia’s colonial past while also improving my information design skills.

One of the key strengths of my infographic is the clear use of the Time and Category principles from the L.A.T.C.H. method. By organizing events chronologically from 1400 to 1826, I was able to present a structured timeline that helps viewers follow the progression of British colonization in Malaysia. Additionally, dividing the content into “Before Colonial Rule” and “European Colonial Rule” effectively categorized the historical events, making it easier for the audience to understand the transition of power.

However, I realized that my infographic could have been improved in terms of Location and Hierarchy. While I mentioned key locations like Malacca, Malaya, and Singapore, they were not visually represented on a map. Adding a geographical reference could have provided a clearer spatial understanding. Additionally, I did not fully apply the Hierarchy principle, as all events were presented in a similar format. Highlighting the most crucial moments, such as the fall of Malacca in 1511 or the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, with distinct typography or visual cues could have helped emphasize their significance.

Another challenge I encountered was a technical issue with the poster size. After completing my first version, I realized that I had used the wrong dimensions, which meant I had to rework my design. This experience taught me an important lesson about double-checking the project requirements before finalizing a design. It reinforced the importance of planning ahead and being mindful of technical specifications to avoid unnecessary revisions.

Overall, this project has strengthened my understanding of effective information design. While I successfully applied key L.A.T.C.H. principles, I also recognized areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing clarity through visual hierarchy and location representation. Moreover, researching Malaysia’s colonial history gave me a deeper appreciation of its impact on the nation’s development. Moving forward, I will pay closer attention to design specifications and explore new ways to make my infographics even more informative and engaging.