Information Design: Exercise 1 & 2

22/09/25 -  (Week 1 - Week 3)

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

Shubashini a/p Subramaniam, (0367697)


Table of Content :

1. Lectures

2. Module Information Booklet

3. Task 

4. Submissions

5. Feedback

6. Reflection

7. Further Reading


Lectures :

Week 1 : MIB

Week 2 :


Module Information Booklet (MIB) :


Task : 

Exercise 1 : Quantifiable Information (10%) 

– Quantify raw data and visualize information as a photograph

A is a visual representation of numerical data that allows for easy interpretation and analysis. 

Instruction:
Gather a set of objects and separate it into category such as color, shape, pattern, and other quantifiable factor.
Example:

1. Box of Lego
2. Jar of button
3. Jar of marble ball
4. Set of colourful rubber strap

In this exercise you're required to quantify our chosen objects and arrange them into a presentable layout or chart
The information must be presented as is, and you need to arrange the objects with relevant indicators written out with pens to help you to visualize the quantity and data. The examples of objects that can be use are buttons, coins, lego pieces, M&Ms, and more.

Submission:
E-Portfolio report consists of:
1. Photo of the random objects before sorting out
2. Objects sorted out by categories (2 - 5 category)
3. Write and design the information on a piece of papers.  

Week 1
No Class

Week 2
This week, we worked on Exercise 1. We were instructed to bring A3 paper, markers and objects that could be categorized in different ways.

Step 1 - Unorganized Objects 

Step 2 - Organized Objects

I organized my LEGO collection by sorting the pieces into different categories based on their shapes and functions. While doing this, I learned that LEGO pieces actually have specific names, such as plates, bricks, tiles, and slopes. This helped me understand that not all LEGO parts are the same, and each type has a unique purpose in building.

For example, I grouped all the plates together, including 1x2 plates, 1x3 plates, 2x2 plates, and larger ones like 1x4 or 3x3 plates. These are the flat pieces that are thinner than regular bricks. Then I separated the bricks, which are the taller, standard LEGO pieces like 1x1.


Step 3 - Visual Structure
 

Week 3

Sir mentioned I could combine my final visual structures, thus I worked on that.


Sir also mentioned, not leaving the submission blank, he said he wanted us to write some descriptionsto follow along with our photos. After taking a look at my work again, sir asked me to write some wording as he was afraid people would not consider this my final piece but an unfinished work. Later on I scanned my work so it has a smoother look.


Submissions :

Exercise 1 

Unorganized Objects

Scattered Legos -  The legos are not arranged and combined without a care for the world.

Organized Objects

Lego Parts - The lego the pieces into different categories based on their shapes and functions.


The Sheep
The Sheep - At first, all the Lego pieces were scattered everywhere. But once they were sorted into plates, bricks, and all the uncommon bits they teamed up to build this sheep. Funny enough, it's not just a sheep but in fact the GOAT.

Exercise 2 : L.A.T.C.H Infographic Poster (10%) 

INSTRUCTION:

1. Select 1 topic of your own choice and create a poster design. 

2. Organize a group of information into a visual poster that combines and utilizes the LATCH principles (Minimum4). Location. Alphabet. Time. Category. Hierarchy.

3. You are required to use the digital photo editing/illustration software available to assemble the information into a LATCH infographic poster. 

4. You are allowed to reuse back the images but you have to create the rest of visuals to complete the poster.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Size resolution: A4 (100DPI)

2. Explanation of how each component of L.A.T.C.H is relatable to each other. 

3. Progress and submission link on E-Portfolio.

The Process :

1. Research and Information Gathering

Before beginning the design process, I focused on collecting accurate, reliable, and visually relevant information about matcha — its origin, history, cultural importance, types, and uses.
The goal of this stage was to have enough verified data to organize later using the L.A.T.C.H. principles (Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, Hierarchy).

Topic Background

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is traditionally consumed in Japan but has now become popular worldwide. The leaves are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, which increases their chlorophyll content and gives matcha its bright green color and rich flavor.

Information Collected

To build a complete information set for the poster, I divided my research into several aspects:

a. Origin and Location

Matcha originates from Japan, particularly the regions of: Uji (Kyoto Prefecture): Known as the birthplace of matcha and the highest quality production area. Nishio (Aichi Prefecture): Produces large quantities of matcha, often used for culinary or commercial products. Shizuoka (Shizuoka Prefecture): One of Japan’s largest tea-growing regions; an emerging producer of matcha. Fukuoka: Another notable area producing smaller-scale matcha for domestic use. These regions are essential because the soil composition, climate, and cultivation methods affect matcha’s taste and color.

b. History and Timeline

  • 1191 CE: Zen monk Eisai brought tea seeds from China to Japan and promoted green tea for its health benefits.

  • 1500s: The Japanese tea ceremony (Chanoyu) was established by tea masters like Sen no Rikyū, giving matcha its cultural importance.

  • 17th–18th centuries: Tea cultivation and grinding techniques were refined; matcha became a symbol of elegance and mindfulness.

  • 1900s: Matcha production modernized with improved milling and packaging methods.

  • 2000s–Present: Matcha became globally popular, used in beverages, desserts, and health products worldwide.

c. Grades and Quality Categories

Matcha is typically divided into three main grades, each serving different purposes:

  1. Ceremonial Grade:

    • Highest quality and most expensive.

    • Made from the youngest tea leaves.

    • Bright, vibrant green color.

    • Smooth, umami flavor with no bitterness.

    • Used traditionally in Japanese tea ceremonies.

  2. Premium Grade:

    • Balanced between ceremonial and culinary.

    • Slightly stronger taste with mild bitterness.

    • Suitable for matcha lattes, iced drinks, or smoothies.

    • Offers good flavor without being too costly.

  3. Culinary Grade:

    • Made from older, stronger tea leaves.

    • Duller green or brownish-green in color.

    • Bitter and earthy flavor.

    • Used in cooking, desserts, and baking.

d. Uses and Applications (Alphabet System)

To align with the Alphabet principle, I organized information using four keyword categories:

  • A – Agriculture: The farming and harvesting process, involving shading the plants 20–30 days before picking to enhance chlorophyll and amino acid levels.

  • B – Beverage: Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, modern matcha lattes, and bubble tea drinks.

  • C – Culinary: Matcha is used in mochi, cakes, ice creams, macarons, and soba noodles.

  • D – Daily Trend: Represents the global trend of matcha in skincare, wellness, and social media aesthetics.

e. Color and Aesthetic Research

Since matcha is closely associated with purity, calmness, and mindfulness, I looked into traditional Japanese minimalism for design inspiration.
I decided on a palette of soft greens, beige, and white, with clean sans-serif fonts to communicate simplicity and balance.

2. Applying the L.A.T.C.H. Principles

After gathering sufficient data about matcha, I began organizing the information using the L.A.T.C.H. principlesLocation, Alphabet, Time, Category, and Hierarchy to structure the content in a logical and visually meaningful way. These five methods provided a strong foundation to guide how information would be displayed and connected in the poster design.

To start, the Location principle was not used as decided to go for the other options.Next, the Alphabet principle was used to create a simple and memorable way to categorize matcha-related concepts. I organized four major aspects under the letters A to D, A for Agriculture, B for Beverage, C for Culinary, and D for Daily Trend. It makes the information approachable and easy to navigate, maintaining both clarity and visual rhythm. The Time principle was applied through a chronological timeline that traces matcha’s evolution from its historical roots to its modern popularity. Starting with the introduction of tea seeds to Japan in 1191 CE, the timeline moves through the establishment of the Japanese tea ceremony in the 1500s, the refinement of cultivation techniques in the 17th and 18th centuries, and finally to matcha’s global rise in the 2000s. The Category principle was incorporated to differentiate the three main grades of matcha, Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary. Each grade was visually represented with different shades of green, ranging from bright to muted tones, symbolizing purity, balance, and utility. Lastly, the Hierarchy principle was used to show the order of importance and quality among the matcha grades. I designed a pyramid-style visual with Ceremonial Grade at the top, followed by Premium and Culinary below. 

Together, these five principles ensure that the poster’s information flows naturally and cohesively. Each L.A.T.C.H. element connects to the next, guiding the viewer’s eye from the geographical roots of matcha to its historical timeline, categorical breakdown, and final hierarchy. This approach not only makes the content easier to digest but also reinforces the calm, balanced, and organized qualities that reflect the essence of matcha itself.

3. Visual Planning and Layout Design

Using the L.A.T.C.H. principles as a guide, I designed a minimalist poster that reflects matcha’s calm and natural essence. The A4 layout flows from top to bottom, featuring soft green tones inspired by matcha leaves. The main illustration of hands whisking tea serves as the focal point, symbolizing tradition and balance.

The left side presents a timeline to show Time, while the Functions section below follows Alphabetical order (Agriculture, Beverage, Culinary, Daily Trend). On the right, a bar chart represents Category and Hierarchy, ranking Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary grades. Clean typography and spacing keep the design organized and visually soothing, allowing information to flow naturally.


Submission :




Feedback :

Week 1 : NO CLASS

Week 2 : Sir briefed us on task 1 and our final projects

Week 3 : Sir checked my work and said my progress, he suggested that for my final submission I combine both my visual structure. He then answered my questions on the final project. He asked us to include description on each photo.

Week 4 : Absent, due to Medical Reasons

Week 5 : Deepavali Holiday


Reflection :

These exercises deepened my understanding of organizing and visualizing data effectively. Exercise 1 taught me how simple objects can convey meaning through thoughtful categorization. Exercise 2 helped me apply L.A.T.C.H principles to structure complex scientific ideas visually, improving clarity and audience engagement.




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