Information Design - Final Project : Infographic Video Animation

03/02/2025 - 23/03/2025  ( Week 1 - Week 14 )

Ho Winnie / 0364866 

Information Design / Bachelor's of Design Honors In Creative Media 

Final Project : Infographic Video Animation

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1. Project 2 : Infographic Video Animation

2. Feedback 

3. Reflection

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1. Project 2 : Infographic Video Animation

Instructions :

Based on FLIP group topic research, produce a basic video animation.

Description :

Using a processed design framework, you will now produce an infographic report to present the given information to a ‘target audience’ with the purpose of:

1. Creating awareness (such as Global Warming, Recycle, etc.)

2. Explaining a process (such as "how to" video)

3. Defining a concept (such as "What is Fast Fashion", "What is Color Wheel", etc.)

Any time based media and software using photography, vector imagery.

Design Considerations :

● Organization Principles – LATCH and Content Organization

● Aesthetic Principles – Animation principles

● Cognitive Principles – Principles of visualization

Output Expectation :

The presentation must be deliberated on, consider each assessment rubric of sorts to your final outcome:

● Show causality

● Multivariate graphics and visuals

● Integrate word number and images

● Content count

● Within eyesight

● Use multiple charts

● Do not de-quantify

Requirements :

Video resolution: 1920px x 1080px HD (min 1.5 mins max 3 mins)

Submissions :

1. A ± 3 minute animated infographic uploaded into YouTube (unlisted)

2. Digital compilation into your Google Drive Folder

3. Online posts in your E-portfolio as your reflective studies(Please attach the E-Portfolio link here for submission.)

Progress : 

A. Choosing Team & Selecting Topic

In Week 1, we were introduced to the fundamentals of creating infographic videos, focusing on how to effectively communicate information through engaging visuals and concise messaging. Mr. Shamsul guided us through the process by showcasing several exemplary infographic videos, highlighting key elements such as storyboarding, typography, motion graphics, and data visualization. These examples provided valuable insights into crafting compelling and informative content.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, I formed a team comprising seven members in total, including myself. As the team leader, I took the initiative to coordinate roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each member could leverage their strengths. Our primary objective was to combine creative storytelling with accurate data presentation to create an impactful infographic video. In the coming weeks, we plan to brainstorm potential topics, develop a script, and divide tasks for storyboarding, animation, and voice-over to streamline the production process.

Fig 1.1 Team Members

During our initial team discussion, we brainstormed and evaluated several potential topics for our infographic video. The ideas we considered included:

1. "How To Bake Macarons" – A light-hearted and visually appealing topic focusing on the step-by-step process of baking macarons, ideal for a broad audience interested in baking and culinary arts.

2. "Internet Phone Scams" – A more serious and informative choice aimed at raising awareness about common scam tactics and providing tips on how to protect oneself online.

3. "Malaysia Healthy Palette" – A culturally rich topic exploring nutritious Malaysian dishes and promoting healthy eating habits within the local context.

4. "The Science Of Insomnia" – A scientifically engaging topic delving into the causes, effects, and potential solutions for insomnia, appealing to viewers interested in health and well-being.

To make an informed decision, we listed the pros and cons of each idea, considering factors such as audience appeal, visual potential, and the depth of information required. After a round of voting, the team unanimously agreed to proceed with "The Science Of Insomnia". This topic stood out due to its relevance, informative value, and the opportunity to incorporate engaging visuals and scientific facts to help viewers understand and manage insomnia better.

Moving forward, we plan to conduct in-depth research on insomnia, gather reliable data, and begin drafting a script that balances both information and visual storytelling effectively.

B. Research & FLIP Presentation

With our group assigned to present "The Science of Insomnia" in Week 3, I took the initiative to streamline our preparation process by distributing specific research tasks to each member during Week 1 and Week 2. This approach ensured comprehensive coverage of the topic and allowed each member to focus on a particular aspect of insomnia. The research tasks were assigned as follows:

1. Types of Insomnia - Winnie
   Responsible for exploring the different categories of insomnia, such as acute, chronic, onset, and maintenance insomnia, including their characteristics and prevalence.

2. Symptoms of Insomnia - Kar Yee
   Focused on identifying and detailing common symptoms, ranging from difficulty falling asleep to daytime fatigue and irritability.

3. Causes of Insomnia - Lin Si Yan
   Investigated both primary and secondary causes, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.

4. How Insomnia Affects Us - Melvin
   Analyzed the physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts of insomnia, emphasizing its effects on productivity, mood, and overall health.

5. How to Prevent Insomnia - Meng Zi Hui
   Researched preventive measures such as sleep hygiene practices, regular exercise, and dietary adjustments.

6. Treatment Options for Insomnia - Guo Ying
   Covered both medical treatments (like cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications) and natural remedies to manage insomnia.

7. Risk Factors of Insomnia - Mariyam Maaiya
   Identified risk factors including age, gender, lifestyle choices, and pre-existing medical conditions that may increase susceptibility to insomnia.

To ensure a smooth and cohesive presentation, we compiled all our research findings and statistics into a comprehensive research document. This document serves as a centralized resource, making it easier for us to organize information logically and efficiently for our presentation slides. In the upcoming week, we plan to synthesize the key points, design engaging slides, and rehearse our presentation to effectively convey our insights on insomnia.

Once the research document was completed and thoroughly reviewed, I took the lead in transferring the data into our FLIP presentation slides.

 

C. Role Delegation & Individual Work

After conducting a team meeting to discuss the roles and responsibilities in detail, I compiled all the information into a roles document to provide a clear and accessible reference for everyone. This document serves as a guide to keep our tasks organized and ensure accountability throughout the project.

As for my role, I am primarily responsible for:

1. Team Leader: Overseeing the progress of each team member, ensuring that tasks are completed on schedule, and facilitating smooth communication within the group.
2. Storyboarder: Creating a visual blueprint for our infographic video, outlining the flow of scenes, key visuals, and transitions based on our research.
3. Illustrator: Designing and illustrating the scenes to align with the storyboard, focusing on consistency, clarity, and visual appeal.

D. Rough Storyboarding ( Individual Work )

I began working on the storyboard for our project and since we discussed to have a brain as our NPC character that explains all the details, I thought of ways to draw the brain to make it look engaging. 

Fig 1.2 Brain Character References

Design Concept for the Brain NPC:

1. Personality and Expression:

   • I envisioned the brain character to be friendly and approachable, with a mix of curiosity and intelligence to guide viewers through the information seamlessly.
   • Expressions such as smiling, raising an eyebrow, or looking thoughtful could help convey emotions effectively.

2. Visual Style:

• To make the brain look engaging, I experimented with a cartoonish yet slightly detailed style, featuring:
• Soft pastel colors with a focus on pinks and purples for a lively feel.
• Eyebrows and a mouth to enhance expressiveness and make explanations feel more natural.

Fig 1.3 Brain Characters

For the storyboard, I focused on creating rough illustrations that effectively convey the core idea of each scene. These initial sketches are detailed enough to provide a clear direction for the animators while leaving room for further refinement once all illustrators complete their parts. The goal was to establish the flow, composition, and key elements of each scene without diving too deep into intricate details at this stage.

To enhance the storyboard’s clarity and ensure smooth animation, the animators (Guo Ying, Melvin, and Zi Hui) contributed by:

1.Specifying Animation Effects:

• They added notes on the types of animations planned for each scene, such as:
• Fade-ins, slide-ins, and zoom effects for transitions.
• Subtle movements for the brain NPC, like nodding or floating

2. Indicating Scene Durations:

• The animators included the expected duration for each scene to maintain proper pacing and ensure that the information is presented clearly without overwhelming the audience.
• This helped us estimate the overall video length and adjust content density accordingly.

E. Illustration Of Scenes ( Scenes 11-19 & 34-38 )

After Si Yan provided a more detailed breakdown of the storyboard, we finalized a total of 41 scenes for our infographic video. To ensure a balanced workload, each illustrator was assigned approximately 14 individual scenes to draw, focusing on different parts of the video.

For my part, I was assigned the middle section of the video, which primarily covers:

1. Symptoms of Insomnia:

   • Illustrations depicting common symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, and daytime fatigue.
   • Using visual cues like dark circles, tired expressions, and alarm clocks to communicate these symptoms effectively.

2. Risk Factors of Insomnia:

   • Creating scenes that highlight risk factors such as stress, age, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.
   • Using icons and simple metaphors, like a stressed brain or a ticking clock, to simplify complex information.

3. Effects of Insomnia:

• Illustrating the physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts of insomnia, such as reduced concentration, irritability, and weakened immunity.

To maintain a consistent art style across all 41 scenes, the illustrators collectively decided on a moodboard, color palette, and typography that we would all adhere to. This unified approach helps ensure that the infographic video feels cohesive and professional, enhancing the audience's viewing experience.

Key Decisions Made for Consistency:

1. Moodboard:

   • We compiled a moodboard featuring:
     • Soft, pastel tones to create a calming yet engaging atmosphere, aligning with the theme of insomnia.
     • Rounded and friendly character designs to make the information approachable.
     • Visual references for scenes such as bedrooms, clocks, and night skies to match the topic.

2. Color Palette:

   • We agreed on a palette focusing on soft blues, purples, and pinks to reflect the night-time theme and convey a sense of tranquility. Dark purple tones for night scenes
   • Highlight colors like yellow and teal for important information and icons to ensure clarity and focus.

3. Typography:

   • Josefin Sans - Readable , Modern typeface for Titles, Subtitles & Body Text  
   • Gloria Hallelujah - Handwritten, Playful typeface for dialogs
   • Ensured font sizes and weights were standardized for titles, subtitles, and body text to maintain a uniform look.

4. Brain NPC Character:

   • The team unanimously decided to use the brain character I designed across all scenes for consistency.
   • Each illustrator will tweak the expressions of the brain character to fit the context of their scenes:
     • For symptoms of insomnia, the brain might appear tired or frustrated.
     • For risk factors, it might look concerned or thoughtful.
     • For solutions or positive tips, it could appear smiling or relieved.

5. Illustration Style:

   • We agreed on a minimalistic yet detailed style, avoiding overly complex backgrounds to keep the focus on the main information.
   • Use of soft shadows and gradients to add depth without making scenes too busy.

Fig 1.4 Mood Board

To enhance cooperation and efficiency, I strategically paired each illustrator with an animator to ensure that the illustrations include all the necessary elements for smooth and effective animations. This pairing approach allows for real-time feedback and adjustments, minimizing misunderstandings and rework during the production process.

Illustrator-Animator Pairs and Their Responsibilities:

1. Pair #1: Intro and Ending

   • Illustrator: Lin Si Yan
   • Animator: Melvin
   • Responsibilities:
     • Create visually appealing opening and closing scenes that set the tone and summarize the video effectively.
     • Ensure smooth transitions and timing for the introduction and conclusion, coordinating closely to match the voice-over.
     • Focus on engaging visuals like titles, credits, and a call-to-action.

2. Pair #2: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors

   • Illustrator: Winnie Ho
   • Animator: Lew Guo Ying
   • Responsibilities:
     • Illustrate scenes that clearly depict the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of insomnia with a balance of icons and expressive character designs.
     • Coordinate on animation effects such as subtle movements for the brain NPC, transitions between causes and effects, and highlighting key information.
     • Prepare layered files to enable smooth animations, particularly for scenes with text and icons.

3. Pair #3: Effects, Prevention, Treatment

   • Illustrator: Mariyam Maaiya
   • Animator: Meng Zi Hui
   • Responsibilities:
     • Focus on illustrating the impacts of insomnia and practical solutions, using calming colors and positive imagery for the prevention and treatment sections.
     • Ensure that animations for these scenes are smooth and reassuring, with effects like fade-ins, slides, and transitions that align with the video’s tone.
     • Collaborate on text animations and icon movements to simplify complex information.

After delegating tasks within the group and having an in-depth discussion with my assigned animator, Guo Ying, I successfully completed the scenes for my part of the project. Our collaboration focused on ensuring that the illustrations were compatible with the planned animation effects, maintaining a cohesive art style and smooth transitions between scenes.

Fig 1.5 Final Compilation Of Our Scenes

F. Voiceover Responsibilities 

I was assigned the role of the narrator for the voiceover. Since there were only a few lines, I recorded my part and uploaded it to Google Drive for Kar Yee to download and edit. The script was organized by Kar Yee and Lin Si Yan.

G. Final Submission

Link to our youtube video : https://youtu.be/JqJF01kRfcY

Final Slides :

Information Design Final Project by Winnie Ho

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2. Feedback

Week 4 :

Mr Shamsul adviced that the storyboard should be added with timing and animation effects so it will be easier for us to make the video later on. He also mentioned that we should ensure all art style looks the same. 

Week 5 :

Mr Shamsul complimented the good illustrations done by us and the detailed storyboard provided. We can continue with this progress to develop our final infographic video animation.

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3. Reflection

Experience : 

Working on the infographic video animation project was a fulfilling and collaborative experience. As the team leader, storyboarder, and illustrator, I had the opportunity to guide the team, shape the narrative flow, and bring visuals to life. Taking on multiple roles challenged my time management and communication skills, but it also allowed me to grow in both creative and leadership capacities. Creating the brain NPC character was especially enjoyable, as it gave me the creative freedom to inject personality into an educational video. Coordinating with the animator assigned to my part ensured our visuals were both aesthetically aligned and technically animation-ready.

Observations : 

Throughout the project, I observed the importance of detailed planning and teamwork in producing a cohesive video. When we clearly delegated roles and paired illustrators with animators, the workflow became smoother, with fewer revisions and misunderstandings. I also noticed how crucial it was to maintain a consistent art style across all 41 scenes. Without this consistency, the final product could have felt disjointed or unprofessional. Moreover, organizing research early on and compiling it into a single document helped streamline our scriptwriting and visual design processes.

Findings : 

From this task, I learned that successful infographic videos rely not only on good visuals but also on structured information delivery and strong collaboration. Visual storytelling becomes more effective when paired with clear narration, layered illustrations, and purposeful animation effects. I also discovered that even small details—such as font choice, color palette, and animation timing—can greatly influence viewer engagement and understanding. Lastly, the feedback from Mr. Shamsul reminded us how essential it is to refine our work during each stage, especially by including timing and animation notes early in the storyboard to guide the production phase.