Information Design: FLIP

GCD60504 Information Design 6.1.22 - 3.2.22 (Week 1 - Week 5)
Wendy Seto / 0348805
GCD60504 Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
FLIP Classroom

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PRACTICAL

1.1 FLIP 1 (Group)

The first FLIP exercise is assigned to every group in the class. The 9 types of infographics that we found are:

1. Statistical
2. Informational
3. Timeline
4. Process
5. Geographic
6. Comparison
7. Hierarchical
8. List
9. Resume

What I learnt from this exercise is that a "list" infographic does not have to follow some sort of order. I often get confused like what if the list is showing steps? After discussing it with my groupmates, I now understood that infographic which shows steps are considered as a "process" infographic instead of a list.

fig 1.1.1 FLIP 1 presentation slides.pdf 9/1/22


fig 1.1.2 FLIP 1 recorded presentation.mp4 9/1/22

1.2 FLIP 1 (Individual)

For our individual task in FLIP 1, we were assigned to pick a free online infographic tool to re-design one poorly constructed infographic poster. I decided to use Canva for this exercise since I think it is the most compact one. 

I found some really bad infographics and these are some of them:

fig 1.2.1 poorly constructed infographic #1 [Rate: 1/10]

fig 1.2.2 poorly constructed infographic #2 [Rate: -1/10]

fig 1.2.3 poorly constructed infographic #3 [Rate: 3/10]

I decided to work with the last one because I like the content, however I am still so disturbed with how the first two infographics were constructed.

fig 1.2.4 re-designing progress in Canva 14/1/22

As you can see I was struggling with the composition because I just realized that there are 7 things not 6 which was why I ended up changing the canvas aspect ratio. 

fig 1.2.5 me being indecisive 14/1/22

fig 1.2.6 final re-designed infographic poster 14/1/22

I really like the final outcome, especially the colours. Using an online tool like Canva helped to do the graphic illustrations because they are all there already that we do not have to design it with pen tool from scratch so it is definitely easier. However, because I am using the iPad’s Canva, it was quite hard to arrange and adjust the elements. I was unable to move to everything all at once like if I am using a desktop (drag+shift is literally the best duo). Honestly, I do not really like using this kind of tool because I feel like they are made for people who are not designers. But overall, I think Canva is one of the best online tool out there. It has so many nice templates and graphical elements that are fun to play around with. 

fig 1.2.7 before-after comparison 14/1/22

1.3 FLIP 4 (Group)

Lastly, our group (Group 8) is in charge on presenting the FLIP topic number 4 which is Manuel Lima's 9 Directives Manifesto. This topic is more comprehensive compared to the first one so we have to make a document to dump our information in. Other than just explaining about the 9 directives, we have to show an example for each as well. Also, it would be nice if we can find an infographic that followed the directives and an infographic that did not. 

1.3.1 FLIP 4 docs.pdf 28/1/22

1.3.2 FLIP 4 presentation slides.pdf 28/1/22

1.3.3 FLIP 4 recorded presentation.mp4 3/2/22

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REFLECTION

Through these FLIP exercises, I learnt a lot about the types of infographics that exist and what makes them successful. The FLIP 4 topic has changed the way I judge an infographic poster. There is one directive that blew my mind, which is the "Do not glorify aesthetics". I think this is a very important phrase that any designer should hear. I mean if I have never heard of it I might not be able to complete my assignments in this module like how I did them. We should always remember why we are creating an infographic in the first place which is to help the viewers understanding the content easier. What is the point if the design is beautiful but the messages are too difficult to be read anyway?