INFORMATION DESIGN - INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

Week 3 - Week 7 (21/1/2020 - 21/2/2020)

See Zi Yi (0340094)

Information Design

Individual Project

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Week 3 (21/1/2020): Briefing of Individual Project

Ms. Anis briefed us on our  Individual Project, which is divided into 2: Project 1 for Infographics and Project 2 for Animation. We were assigned to make a process infographic to teach the audience how to make our chosen food by implementing what we have learnt (Manual Lima's 9 Manifesto and L.A.T.C.H theory), then animate it at the end. For the animation, we can choose to do a one-minute video or a looping one.

As a huge fan of Chinese cuisine, I decided to pick Siu Mai, a type of Chinese Dim Sum, as my food. Then, I started to search up on its recipe for my infographics.

Poster Infographic

To start off, I created a Google Slides which comprises my research about the recipe, ingredients used, colour palettes, etc for my reference later on. Below is my moodboard.

Fig. 1.1 Research and moodboard

With the information, I came up with a sketch of my infographic. Below is the draft.

Fig. 1.2 Sketch Part 1

Fig. 1.3 Sketch Part 2

Since it's a recipe infographic, directly showing its process to the audience can aid in information comprehension. Hence, I decided to create "The Siew Mai Machine". A machine showcases the operation of a particular thing, which provides information on how it works. Inspired by the idea of a machine, my recipe infographic will showcase the step-by-step operation, which is the process in this case.

Below is some reference artwork I referred to.

Fig. 1.4 Reference #1

Fig. 1.5 Reference #2

First, I prepared the assets for the ingredients. I opted for a more intricate and detailed style as I am a fan of this graphic style. Below is my attempt with reference photo.

Fig. 1.6 Prawn asset #1

In Fig. 1.6 above, the outline is illustrated and the colour is filled.

Fig. 1.7 Prawn asset #2

In Fig. 1.7 above, I started adding dots as shading onto the prawn. It's to show different parts of a prawn.

Fig. 1.8 Prawn asset #3

In Fig. 1.8, all shading is done. The prawn asset is complete.

Fig. 1.9 Seasoning asset: caster sugar asset

However, the dotting technique for shading does not seem to be applicable to every asset. As seen in Fig. 1.9, the caster sugar asset on the left looks a bit off as compared to the one on the right. Therefore, I utilized both lines and dots for the shading of assets.

Below are some other examples of the assets with their reference pictures.

Fig. 1.10 Pork belly asset

Fig. 1.11 Shiitake mushroom asset

Fig. 1.12 First attempt on the ingredient assets

Amendments are made on the current assets and new assets are being added on. I changed the background colour as most of the assets I have a lighter colour, hence a darker colour background could create a contrast to it. 

Fig. 1.13 Second attempt on the ingredient assets with reference pictures

Fig. 1.14 The final outcome on the ingredient assets

Below are my attempts at illustrating the bamboo steamer. I tried to follow the initial colour palette was chosen, which was blue and red, as I love the visual impact of contrasting colours. However, it doesn't seem suitable because it may cause confusion to the viewers to identify the elements, be it viewers who are familiar with Chinese cuisine or not. Hence, I utilized colours which are close to its original form for information clarity.

Fig. 1.5 First attempt

In Fig. 1.5 above, I tried using red outlines for the steamer but it looks a bit off.

Fig. 1.6 Second and third attempt

 In Fig. 1.6, I attempted a brown outline and different patterns on the bamboo steamer.

Fig. 1.7 Fourth attempt 

In Fig. 1.7, my fourth and final attempt, I didn't outline the bamboo steamer, as the outline might look too overwhelming and may overpower the main point of this step, which is to soak the ingredients in the water. Having a darker background can show a contrast as well.

Below is the process of assembling all the assets illustrated.

Fig. 1.8 Assembling with guides #1

Fig. 1.9 Assembling with guides #2

Fig. 1.10 Assembling with guides #3

Below is the first attempt at assembling the assets without ingredients.

Fig. 1.11 Assembled Outcome

The ingredient assets were then added after this step, as shown in Fig. 1.12. 

Fig. 1.12 Adding on the ingredients assets, together with text

Below are my attempts. However, the first assembled outcome with ingredients seems to look imbalance, as the circles around each ingredient appeared too huge in size. Viewers might lose their sense of focus while trying to navigate through the steps. Hence, I attempted two more times by resizing the circles.

Fig. 1.13 Recipe Infographic Attempt 1.1

Fig. 1.13 Recipe Infographic Attempt 1.2

Fig. 1.14 Recipe Infographic Attempt 1.3

With my Fig. 1.14 Attempt, I gained feedback from one of the lecturers, Ms Anis to better improve my work.

Feedback and suggestions from Ms Anis

Poster

1. Size of filling fungi & seasoning circle smaller in size.

2. Add “dry” on 2nd and 3rd steamer.

3. Remove the seasoning’s graphic and replace with measurements.

4. Add lines to connect ingredient and measurement for readability because the seasoning is very important for the making of Siew Mai.

5. Add a light border (refer to Chinese style borders) to assemble the ingredients for seasoning so readers know that they are being added together.

6. Use wavy lines with circles to show the meat is being chunked. The current one might be mistaken as a watery mixture.

7. Change the colour of mixture (round filling) into a more pinkish colour.

8. Change the colour of the wrapper into a more yellowish colour.

9. Remove the 6th and 7th bamboo as they are redundant.

10. Change the colour of the Steamed Siew Mai wrapper into a more yellowish one (refer to the yellow border of the title).

11. Add some additional information for information flexibility.

12. Lack of Chinese vibes.

Animation

1. Opt for animation with subtle but smooth movements.

2. 1st steamer: add bubbles.

3. 2nd & 3rd bamboo: add water droplets.

4. 2nd & 3rd steamer: fan rotating.

5. 4th steamer: after ingredients drop into the steamer, knife cutting x3 times.

6. Logo of Siew Mai: steam comes out.

The feedback received made me reconsider many aspects of creating an infographic, which led to more amendments to my poster. Below are some of the changes made.

To create wavy lines as suggested by Ms Anis, I referred to the Youtube tutorial below.

Fig. 1.15 My attempt at creating wavy lines #1

Fig. 1.15 My attempt at creating wavy lines #2

I attempted to change the border of the logo to a more oriental design, but it doesn't look appealing to me. Hence, I stuck with the previous logo.

Fig. 1.16 Attempt at different border for logo

Gathering the feedback, below my second attempt of the infographic.

Fig. 1.17 Recipe Infographic Attempt 2.0

For my second attempt, I tried out a different background colour, but it still doesn't seem right. Hence, I came up with my third attempt with a change in my colour palette. In Fig. 1.18, I changed/added on some elements to deliver the Chinese vibes to the viewers, such as:

1. An oriental border with Chinese ornaments.
2. A change in the colour palette to burgundy-beige.
3. Some Chinese clouds on the background.

To make my infographic more informative, I provided the duration for prep time and cooking time, as well as the servings with the number of ingredients used.

Fig. 1.18 Third attempt

As for the logo, I attempted a few versions as well. Below are my attempts.

Fig. 1.19 Logo #1

The first logo is simple and straightforward. Since it's a machine, the concept of this is as if it's a start button for gaming. 

Fig. 1.20 Logo #2

The second logo has a Chinese ornament design with low opacity as the background. However, it looks more like a money changer symbol to me. Hence, I didn't use it.

Fig. 1.21 Logo #3

The third logo has a Chinese circle border, which in my opinion, doesn't make it stand out much as compared to the previous two logos. I ended up sticking with the first logo design because it's the most eye-catching logo among the rest.

Below is my final outcome of the recipe infographic.

Fig. 1.22 Recipe Infographic Attempt 3.0

About the Poster:

In creating my recipe infographic, I utilized Manuel Lima's 9 Directive Manifesto, which is as follows:

1. Form follows function: The visual (form) of my infographic follows the topic - how to make a type of food (function) by showing the steps of creating Siew Mai from the beginning to the end. The process laid out can help viewers in understanding the process of making this authentic Chinese cuisine.

2. Interactivity is Key: Interactivity is encouraged when viewers are required to follow the step-by-step instruction for comprehending the making of Siew Mai. Bamboo steamer, a typical container to store Siew Mai is used in each step to indicate an action to be carried out (e.g. soak, dry, chop, add, cook, etc.). Bamboo sticks which are significant in the Chinese culture, are utilized to direct the viewers' eyes from one step to another for smooth information flow.

3. Cite your Source: Sources are cited at the bottom of the recipe infographic to provide credits to the content creators.

4. The Power of Narrative: A story is told through the usage of elements relevant to the Chinese culture, as well as the attractive visuals. Viewers would be interested to understand more about this culture too.

5. Do not Glorify Aesthetics: The aesthetic isn't glorified as information is arranged according to the flow.

6. Look for Relevancy: Since Siew Mai is Chinese cuisine, appropriate graphic elements are added, such as Chinese ornaments, bamboo sticks, red Chinese stamps and more to make the audience relate better to the topic.

7. Embrace time: Viewers are provided with a rich amount of information in a short period of time.

8. Aspire for Knowledge: Not only knowledge about the Siew Mai is provided, but readers are also provided with additional knowledge on tips to consume it. A tip about "adding soy sauce/ chilli sauce for extra flavours" and alternatives for pork (chicken and beef as recommended) enhanced the knowledge of readers. 

9. Avoid Gratuitous Information: Redundant information, such as the graphics for the seasonings, is eliminated. Clean and direct information is displayed for a precise comprehension.

Animated Infographic

For the animation, I decided to make a GIF out of my poster infographic. To start with, I referred to a Youtube tutorial which explained the steps taken to prepare my Adobe Illustrator files to Adobe After Effects. Below is the video.

In Fig. 1.23, before changing my layers, these are my layers in Adobe Illustrator. Everything is in a single layer.

Fig. 1.23 Before arranging my layers 

In Fig. 1.24, my layers are nicely arranged in separate ones.

Fig. 1.24 After arranging my layers

After importing the layers, I started my animating process. The first animation I had to create was a bubble loop. The video below is my reference.

Fig. 1.25 Bubble loop in the making #1

Fig. 1.26 Bubble loop in the making #2

I also referred to another video, to make a constant rotation for the fans in my animation. Below is the video.

After I was done animating, I rendered it as an AVI file on Adobe After Effects. 

Fig. 1.27 Rendering my animation on Adobe After Effects

Below is the video.

To make it a GIF, I tried out two ways: through Adobe Media Encoder and Adobe Photoshop. I had some complications hence only the GIF file rendered on Adobe Photoshop worked to be submitted.

Fig. 1.28 Creating my GIF on Adobe Media Encoder

Fig. 1.28 Creating my GIF on Adobe Photoshop

Below is the final outcome of my GIF for the recipe infographic.