Information Design - Final Project

⭐ 3/2/2024 - 17/3/2025 (Week 1 - Week 7)

🎀 Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425 

💜 Information Design | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University 

📚 Final Project 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Project 2

3. Feedback

4. Reflections

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1. INSTRUCTIONS ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Fig. 2.1 Module Information Booklet - Information Design.

Task:

Final Project – Infographic Animation Video

📌Objective: Create a basic animated infographic video based on our FLIP group topic to: 

• Create awareness (e.g., Global Warming, Recycling) 
• Explain a process (e.g., How-to guides) 
• Define a concept (e.g., What is Fast Fashion?)

🧠 Design Framework & Considerations 

• Organization Principles: Use LATCH (Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, Hierarchy) 
• Aesthetic Principles: Apply animation principles (e.g., timing, easing, movement) 
• Cognitive Principles: Follow visualization rules (clarity, hierarchy, integration) 

🎯 Output Requirements 

• Video Resolution: 1920x1080 HD 
• Duration: Minimum 1.5 minutes, Maximum 3 minutes 
• Content Requirements: Show causality, Use multiple charts, Integrate visuals, numbers, and words, Maintain visual clarity, Do not de-quantify (keep data meaningful) 

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2. FINAL PROJECT: INFOGRAPHIC VIDEO ANIMATION ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Instructions

We were instructed to create a 1.5–3 minute animated infographic video based on our FLIP group topic to raise awareness, explain a process, or define a concept. Use LATCH for content organization, apply animation and visualization principles, and include integrated visuals, data, and text. Ensure the video shows causality, uses multiple charts, and maintains clarity. Submit the unlisted YouTube video, Google Drive compilation, and E-Portfolio post with reflection by Week 07.

Work Progress

A. Concept Development (Proposal Ideas, Mood Board, Visual References)

Our Team

My group consists of eight members, and the following members contributed to the project:

1. Sin Jun Ming (0364638)
2. Natalie Chu Jing Xuan (0354589)
3. Jie Xuan (0356515)
4. Chan Xiang Lam (0358400)
5. Yan Zhi Xuan (0369425) (Me)
6. You Siyuan (0366978)
7. Iman Mikudim (0338004)
8. Esma Reza (0339055)

Fig. 3.1 Week 1 Online Meeting.

3 Proposal Ideas

For our Information Design final project, our group initially proposed three ideas:

Topic 1: How to Make a Chocolate Cake 

Type: Explaining a Process (A step-by-step visual guide on baking a chocolate cake, including ingredients, mixing, baking, and tips for success.)

Topic 2: What is Procrastination? 

Type: Defining a Concept (An animated explanation of procrastination—its causes, effects, and strategies to overcome it.)

Topic 3: The Importance of a Balanced Diet 

Type: Creating Awareness A (visual awareness piece highlighting the definition, benefits, and recommendations for maintaining a balanced diet.)

 Fig. 3.2 3 Proposal Topics.

Chosen Topic: The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Type: Creating Awareness 

Introduction

The objective of this project is to define what a balanced diet is, emphasize its health benefits, provide practical dietary recommendations, and encourage healthier eating habits. The target audience includes students and young adults, as well as the general public who are aiming to improve their nutrition. The key content will focus on the definition of a balanced diet, which involves consuming nutrients in proper proportions such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber. It will highlight benefits like improved energy levels, disease prevention, and better mental well-being. The video will also provide recommendations such as consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, staying hydrated, and including lean proteins in meals. Visuals will include a pie chart showing food group distribution, a meal plate layout for daily planning, and icons representing the health benefits. This topic was chosen because it addresses poor eating habits caused by busy lifestyles and encourages informed, healthier food choices for better long-term well-being.

 Fig. 3.3 Chosen Topic - The Importance of A Blanced Diet.

Here’s our project timeline, which outlines each stage of our workflow. This timeline showcases our progress and how we managed each phase to complete the animated infographic successfully:

Preproduction Planning (Week 1-2) 

• Choose a topic
• Mood Board, Visual References, Typography, Colour Scheme - Jun Ming, Esma 
• Sketches/Wireframes - Shanzi, Iman 
• Video Content Details (Duration, Production Planning) - Jie Xuan, Siyuan 
• Animation Style, Background Music, Sound Effects, Transition References - Natalie, Xiang Lam

Production (Week 3-7)

• Adobe Illustrator, After Effects, Editing Ai (3 people, Week 3) - Iman, Shanzi, Siyuan 
• Ae (3 people, Week 4) - Jun Ming, Natalie, Esma 
• Video Editing + Audio Editing (2 people, Week 6) - Jiexuan, Xiang Lam 
• Presentation Slideshow - All members  (Week 6-7)

Mood Board

This mood board sets the overall tone and visual direction for our infographic animation. The colour scheme features five warm and earthy tones — #702622 (dark brown), #E77B19 (orange), #EB9C62 (peach), #FFD05E (yellow), and #FDF2DE (cream) — which collectively evoke feelings of health, warmth, and natural freshness. These colors are inspired by nutritious food elements such as grains, vegetables, and fruits, aligning with the theme of a balanced diet.

The typography uses the Super Foods Font by fsuarez913, which is bold, rounded, and playful. This friendly typeface helps make the topic feel approachable and engaging, especially for younger audiences or those new to nutrition topics.

On the right side, the visual references consist of various infographic designs that present balanced diet information using circular food plates, segmented pie charts, and illustrated food groups. These visuals guide our design style — using vector illustrations, clear section breakdowns (like 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% grains, 25% proteins), and soft, vibrant colors to communicate health tips effectively. The illustrations also emphasize a clean, easy-to-understand visual flow, which we aim to replicate in our animation.

Fig. 3.4 Mood Board.

B. Wireframes & Sketches

As we already have our moodboard, Iman started with wireframes and sketches to map out our infographic animation. This helped us organize the visual elements and ensure a clear information flow. 

Wireframes

Fig. 3.5 Wireframes (All Scenes).

Sketches

Fig. 3.6 Sketches.

C. Digitalization in Adobe Illustrator

After finalizing our sketches, I moved on to the design using Adobe Illustrator. The illustrations and scene layouts were created in Adobe Illustrator, ensuring a clean and visually appealing look while maintaining consistency with our theme.

Fig. 3.7 Artwork in Outliner View.

Fig. 3.8 Artwork in Adobe Illustrator,

Work Progress #1 (Colour Experimentation)

As part of our infographic animation development, we continuously refined our visuals to improve clarity and visual appeal. In the first stage, we conducted a colour experiment for the title screen, testing different font colors and shadows to ensure readability and contrast. We compared two variations of the "What is a Balanced Diet?" scene and chose the version with darker text for better visibility against the warm background. 

Fig. 3.9 Work Progress #1 in Ai.

Work Progress #2 (Adding Depth & Texture)

In the next stage, we focused on enhancing visual depth by adding shadows to elements to the illustrations. This helped separate the character and icons from the background, making the composition more dynamic and engaging. 

Fig. 3.10 Work Progress #2 in Ai.

Work Progress #3 (Further Refinement)

Next, in the meal planning app scene, we made adjustments by resizing fonts and making minor illustration changes to improve visual hierarchy and flow. We also introduced numbered labels to guide viewers through the app’s features more clearly. These updates collectively enhanced the animation’s effectiveness, ensuring that the message is communicated in a clean, structured, and visually appealing way.

Fig. 3.11 Work Progress #3 in Ai.

Work Progress #4 in Ai (Finalised the Illustrations)

In the final stage, we finalized all illustrations by applying a consistent visual style and ensuring the use of the same colour scheme throughout the scenes. This ensured cohesion and harmony in the overall animation design, enhancing both professionalism and viewer experience.

Fig. 3.12 Finalised Artwork in Ai.

D. Voice-Acting

In the audio dubbing stage, Jie Xuan and Xiang Lam focused on scripting and recording the voiceover to match the visual flow of the animation. The script was written in a clear and friendly tone to ensure that the information would be easy to understand and engaging for our target audience. Once the script was finalized, we adjusted the pacing to align with the timing of each animated scene. During the recording process, we ensured consistent volume, clear pronunciation, and a warm, conversational tone to complement the visuals. 

Voice-Over Script

Doc. 3.1 Voice-Over Script - The Importance of A Balanced Diet.

E. Animating in Adobe After Effects

Once the illustrations were completed, Jun Ming and Natalie animated the scenes in After Effects. They added movement, smooth transitions, and effects to make the infographic more engaging. The bottom shows the AE timeline.

Click HERE to watch the final animations of each scene in the Google Folder.

Fig. 3.13 Work Progress #1 in AE.

Fig. 3.14 Work Progress #2 in AE.

Fig. 3.15 Work Progress #3 in AE.

F. Editing in Capcut

Minor revisions were made after reviewing the audio against the animation to improve synchronization and clarity. This stage helped bring the content to life, making the infographic more immersive and informative.

Click HERE to see the sources of BGM and sound effects in the Google Folder.

Fig. 3.16 Background Music & Sound Effects.

Fig. 3.17 Work Progress in CapCut.

Final Outcome 

Submission

1. Final Video (YouTube): The Importance of A Balanced Diet

2. FLIP Presentation: The Importance of A Balanced Diet

Click HERE to watch the infographic video animation, The Importance of A Balanced Diet.

Fig 3.18 Final Outcome - Infographic Video Animation (YouTube Video).

Fig. 3.3 FLIP Presentation - The Importance of A Balanced Diet.

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3. FEEDBACK ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Week 1

No feedback given.

Week 2

Mr. Fauzi good start in identifying the group topic. Make sure the objective (awareness, process, or concept) is clear and suitable for our target audience. Begin outlining key content points using LATCH.

Week 3

Mr. Fauzi said the visual presentation is well-received and already aligns with a storyboard format. The choice between black and white or colour is flexible, allowing the group to decide based on preference. Ensure the timing for each slide allows sufficient reading time, maintaining a balanced overall video duration.

Week 4

Design elements are visually appealing and consistent. Ensure your charts and icons support the message. Consider how each element will move or animate later—plan with animation in mind.

Week 5

Make sure to highlight key points visually (e.g., bold text, motion emphasis).

Week 6

Ensure visual pacing is not too fast. Double-check data visuals for accuracy and readability. Make minor adjustments to timing and text placement to avoid clutter. Polish transitions for a clean finish. 

Week 7

Mr. Fauzi said final video is cohesive and visually strong. The message is clear and well-structured. Good use of animation principles and multivariate visuals. He also asked us to make minor changes to the illustrations in Scene 4.

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4. REFLECTIONS ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Experience 

This animated infographic project was a valuable learning experience that allowed us to explore the power of visual storytelling. From the start, we observed the importance of organizing information using the LATCH framework, which helped us present our topic in a logical and easy-to-follow structure. This approach made our content more accessible and engaging for the target audience. Overall, the experience was rewarding. It allowed us to improve our design thinking, technical animation skills, and teamwork. From planning to final execution, we gained a deeper understanding of how to craft a clear, meaningful infographic that educates and captivates an audience.

 

Observation

Throughout this animated infographic project, our team observed how important structured content and visual storytelling are in effectively communicating a message. By applying the LATCH framework, we were able to organize our information clearly, making it easier for our audience to understand complex ideas. We also discovered that animation principles—such as timing, transitions, and visual hierarchy—play a crucial role in keeping the viewer engaged. We also learned to apply cognitive principles to ensure clarity, such as chunking information and maintaining visual hierarchy. One of our key findings was the need to balance design with content. It was challenging to include enough information while keeping the visuals clean and not overwhelming.

Finding 

One key finding was the challenge of balancing informative content with visual appeal. Too much text or data could overwhelm the viewer, while too little could weaken the message. We learned to integrate visuals, numbers, and words harmoniously, ensuring everything remained within eyesight and supported causality. Working as a team improved our collaboration and communication skills. Each stage—from scripting and storyboarding to designing assets and animating—required clear planning and coordination. The project also pushed us to be more critical and thoughtful in our design choices, ensuring that the visuals, text, and data were well-integrated and meaningful.