Information Design - Project 1

3/2/2024 - 17/3/2025 (Week 3 - Week 5)
Shawn Wong Kai Hen / 0375372
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1



 INTRUCTIONS 




 Requirements 

Part 1: Infographic poster (10%)           
1. Choose 1 infographic poster reference from Internet (Please consult before proceeding)
2. Redesign the poster into A4 size. Sketch the idea and process
3. Redesign and simplify the poster based on visual hierarchy & typography
4. Simplify the poster's design based on color, shape & pattern
5. Attach your final poster on E-Portfolio with explanation and reflective writing

Part 2: Minimal animated infographic (10%)
1. Animate your infographic poster into one static loop animation page
2. Loop duration in between 15-30 second
3. Size: 1080 x 1920px (Vertical Video) upload to your own YouTube channel.


Project 01 - Part 1 [Redesign Infographic Poster]

During Week 3, we were tasked with selecting an infographic poster from the internet and consulting Mr. Shamsul before leaving class. The objective was to redesign the chosen poster into an A4-sized format while improving its visual impact and clarity.

For my project, I selected a Kendrick Lamar infographic poster, as shown below. The redesign process allowed me to refine its layout, typography, and overall composition to create a more cohesive and visually compelling design.

Fig 1.1 Chosen poster (20/2/2025)

After selecting the poster, I began researching reference designs and art styles before starting my sketch. Although I didn't create a mood board, I explored various inspirations and had a clear vision of the style I wanted to achieve during the research process.

Fig 1.2 Research Reference (24/2/2025)

After completing my research, I began sketching ideations before moving on to the design process. Since this was my first time designing a rapper poster, many of the styles and effects were new to me, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. It allowed me to explore different techniques and expand my design skills.

Fig 1.3 Rough Sketch (25/2/2025)

In week 4, we had an online class where Mr. Shamsul reviewed our progress. Since I had not started the design yet, I presented my references and sketches while explaining my concept. Mr. Shamsul provided valuable feedback, suggesting that I use a bold sans-serif font for the title to align with the rapper poster aesthetic. After the class, I conducted further research on typography to find a more suitable font for my design. Ultimately, I decided on Druk, a strong and impactful sans-serif typeface.

Fig 1.4 Chosen Font (27/2/2025)


Poster design progress

After receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul, I began designing my poster using Photoshop. Instead of strictly following my initial sketch, I explored different layouts and drew inspiration from various design references to refine the composition. This approach allowed me to experiment with different styles and create a more dynamic and visually engaging poster.

Fig 2.1 Design Progress 1 (28/2/2025)

I chose not to follow my initial sketch because, from past experience, I learned that having too much text and minimal graphics can make a poster feel cluttered. This time, I focused on keeping only the key points while ensuring a strong visual impact. The rapper’s name became the focal point, positioned on both the left and right sides in bold, oversized typography to create emphasis. I opted for a black-and-white design while incorporating selective color accents in the text for contrast. Additionally, I included the artist’s birth date and location beneath the name. Since songs play a crucial role in a rapper’s identity, I also featured 12 of the most popular tracks in the design.

Fig 2.2 Design Progress 2 (1/3/2025)

The next day, I continued refining my design and decided to incorporate musical elements into the poster. I chose to include a music player, as it not only enhances the theme but also provides an opportunity for animation later. After completing the music player, I added a selection of the rapper’s most popular albums to further highlight his musical achievements.

Fig 2.3 Design Progress 3 (1/3/2025)

To fill the remaining empty space in the bottom right, I decided to showcase the rapper’s achievements, including awards such as the Grammy Awards and notable worldwide records. Additionally, I incorporated the rapper’s signature as a subtle decorative element, placing it behind the image to enhance the overall composition.

Fig 2.4 Design Progress 4 (2/3/2025)

After completing the poster design, I experimented with effects on the image. Initially, I aimed for a brutalist-style poster, but applying the effect to the entire design did not achieve the desired result. Instead, I chose to incorporate the brutalist aesthetic solely on the image, using the Threshold effect in Photoshop and adjusting the values to create a bold, high-contrast look. If animation were not a requirement, this styling could have been explored further, and I look forward to experimenting with it in future projects.

Fig 2.5 Design Progress 5 (2/3/2025)

In the final step of the poster design, I applied the Threshold effect to the last image and adjusted the values accordingly. While the result may not have met my expectations entirely, it was a valuable learning experience in refining image adjustments in Photoshop. This process allowed me to explore new techniques, and I look forward to improving and achieving even better results in future projects.


Project 01 - Part 2 [Create Animation]

Fig 3.1 Animation Progress 1 (3/3/2025)

For the first animation, I focused on the rapper's name. Since the poster was designed in Photoshop, I decided to experiment with creating the animation directly within the software. I aimed for a glitch effect by duplicating the text in different RGB colors—red, blue, and green—then offsetting them slightly to the left and right. Once the visual effect was set, I adjusted the timeline to create a glitch motion that lasted around 1 to 2 seconds. However, after testing the animation in Photoshop, I realized that After Effects would provide better control and smoother execution. As a result, I transitioned to After Effects to refine and complete the animation.

Fig 3.2 Animation Progress 2 (4/3/2025)

After importing the design into After Effects, I began animating several key elements. As previously mentioned, I incorporated a music player into the design and planned to bring it to life through animation. I created a looping spin animation for the vinyl record to enhance the dynamic feel of the composition. Additionally, to reinforce the music theme, I animated the music bar to ensure it visually responds as if playing. The completed animation can be reviewed below.

Fig 3.3 Animation Progress 3 (4/3/2025)

At this stage, I decided to add animation to the border surrounding the album. Initially, I considered applying this effect to all borders, but I realized that excessive animation could make the poster feel unbalanced. Instead, I focused on enhancing the album section. I used a neon outline effect, known as Saber, to create a glowing border. Additionally, I applied the Mirror effect to reflect the animation, flipping it upside down for a more dynamic look. To enhance the visual appeal, I adjusted the colors to purple and blue, creating the illusion of four strokes running along the border.


Project 01 - Final Poster

Fig 3.4 Final Poster (5/3/2025)


Project 01 - Animated infographic poster

Finally, I have completed the animation and made final refinements to the poster. As part of the requirements, the animation was exported in MP4 format (1920x1080) and uploaded to my YouTube channel. For a detailed review, please check it out on YouTube.

Animated infographic poster [YouTube]



 FEEDBACK 

Week 4
  • To enhance the rapper-themed poster, incorporate bold typography, grunge textures, and high-contrast imagery inspired by hip-hop culture. Research rap album covers and street art for authentic styling, ensuring the design captures the genre’s raw energy while maintaining clarity and impact.
  • Avoid using Times New Roman for a more contemporary and impactful design. Instead, opt for bold sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, or Bebas Neue to enhance readability and match the modern, edgy aesthetic of rapper-themed posters. Prioritize strong typography that complements the visual style while maintaining clarity and balance.

 REFLECTION 

Among the three exercises, the Animated Infographic Poster presented the greatest challenge, as it required me to convey information effectively through motion. Unlike static design, where elements remain fixed, animation introduces movement, demanding a careful balance between clarity and visual appeal. One of the key challenges was ensuring that the audience could follow the information seamlessly without feeling overwhelmed.

To achieve this, I focused extensively on refining timing, pacing, and transitions, making sure that text and visuals appeared in a structured, engaging, and easily digestible manner. Experimenting with different motion techniques allowed me to emphasize key points without making the animation feel rushed or cluttered. This process deepened my understanding of timing, easing, and composition, helping me refine my approach to animated storytelling.

Overall, this project pushed me to think more critically about visual hierarchy in motion design and reinforced the importance of delivering information with clarity and impact. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, significantly enhancing my skills in animated communication.






Comments

Shamsul Hamimi said…
I don't see your final poster here. I can only see your progress. And the poster looks unattractive and does not reflect the singer's genre. Stop using box in your design
shawnnndsign said…
I have upload the final poster here and thx for the comment