Assignment 3: Information Design

Introduction

Hi, am also taking NM4206 Media Regulation and Governance this semester and was writing a paper on Google in China, so decided to make a timeline of Google's actions there. For this infographic, I'd used information from this source.

Thought process

Since this was a timeline infographic, I wanted a clear line down the middle for chronological listing. I chose two intertwined dragons since dragons are common symbols in Chinese folklore. The clear line down the middle also meant it was easier to divide the actions where Google simply adhered to Chinese censorship laws (left) and when Google appeared to rebel against those censorship laws (right).

One of the dragons is more obviously wrapping around the other, and this would represent China and how it holds Google in its grasps due to its censorship laws and how Google needs to comply with them so as to operate in the country.

Draft of layout planning:


Converting the sketch to digital form:

(Sketch in using Illustrator)
(Colour in with Photoshop)

Playing around with colours:
For the colour scheme, I wanted to use the existing colour scheme of the Google logo.


For the Chinese dragon, I used the red and yellow since those are the colours of the Chinese flag.


Then for the Google dragon, here were the colour experimentations. I finally went with the one on the furthest on the right.


Thereafter I used InDesign to settle the layout of the infographic, aligning texts to the ruler lines created, making sure the dragons and title were centred.

Wanted to add in icons also along the timeline but it seemed rather messy especially if they were also in colour, so I just changed the text box colours to Google colours with a lighter intensity.

Final work submitted for critique:


Learning points

  • Comments from peers:
    • The grey text for the yellow is rather strange, too different from the rest
    • Can make the subtitles (e.g. Courting China) bigger
  • Comments from tutor:
    • For the title, too many elements. Maybe standardize the top-most and bottom-most lines. Remove one of the $ in interests, consider shrinking text size of the $ sign so more consistent with the rest of the word.
    • For the timeline boxes, can consider using grey text in alternate boxes to get around the white text being invisible. The lefthand side colours are also more consistent than the righthand side.
    • For icons, maybe can consider single-colour (white) strokes to keep it simplified.
    • For the bottom footer, can consider still using the Google colours. Currently just looks like a copyright thing, disconnected from the rest of the timeline. Connect it to the main dragons for the feeling of continuity?

How the work has improved since the critique

In the end, I did make the subtitles bigger, although I'd also changed the margins to so that I could account for the larger text. I'd also adopted the idea of the alternating colours for a more balanced look instead of the alternating grey text since the grey text looked rather dull against the other colours.

Inserted the monochrome icons as well. Decided to just insert icons for alternate text boxes of each column to maintain some negative space:
A search box for the launch of Google.cn


An open plug for "pulling out"


A dragonfly with binocular looking eyes for Project Dragonfly


I had used a mix of Illustrator and Photoshop for the icons, starting off with the basic shapes, supplementing with lines where necessary.


Initially had wanted to extend the coloured text boxes and go with white icons as suggested but I think overall it felt neater if the icons were grey and in the negative spaces.


Connected the last text box to the dragons as well, changed the colour to be different from the header and shrank the textbox.

Final submission


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Final Project: Self-Identity Branding Guide

Image
Introduction For this project, we're supposed to create a branding guide and since I'm applying for internships next semester, I figured, why not create a new resume while I'm at it? Sorry CNM Dept, I still love you. :') Developmental process Planning stage - Who is Carman Chew? Skillset: photography and videography. Personality: bold, adaptable. Interests: travel, culture. Colour scheme Adapted it from my existing portfolio website. Reflects the bold, warm, adventurous nature.  Professional with enough contrast. Font choices I was very sure that I wanted a rounded serif font for that friendlier, more welcoming look. So I pitched: Feedback was that choice 2 worked better. Logo development Sketches: Played around with the camera, globe, and travel motifs. Later experimented with including an outline of a girl also, since I use an icon on myself for my existing personal email, and wanted to integrate that with looking like a camera lens. I scrapped idea #3 and #6 because...
Read more

Week 2: Reflective Design Process

Image
Task: Apply the constructive criticism model in evaluating a design or artwork.  The Constructive Criticism Model Description - What is there? Analysis - How are things presented, especially in relation to one another? Interpretation - What does it mean? How does it make you feel? Judgement - How successful is it? The Crane Rooms by Aristide Antonas [ Source:  JustWatch  ] Design to critique: Crane Rooms  by  Aristide Antonas Part One: Description  - Single-room houses extended on a crane, from a truck or concrete. The height at which the room is at can be adjusted. Floorplan sketches reveal that within the room there exists a perhaps super-single bed with enough space for two people, a television, a shower with a separate space for the toilet bowl and sink, a work and closet space. The room is open-air with just only beams for a roof and wall coverings on opposing sides of the room. A strong internet connection is available. There is no kitchen within ...
Read more