Objective

To develop conceptual thinking skills. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To apply design principles to real-world visual communication problems as it relates to web design.

Secondary objectives

To gain experience with the interactive features of Adobe Animate (formerly Flash).

Description

Create an illustrated infographic for an online magazine. The topic is open, but you must use real statistical data and cite the source. Use interactivity to help communicate critical information which reveal or enhances a specific point of view. A title must be included with the art (descriptive copy is optional).

For Inspiration:

• The Dude Map
• The Enlightened Happy Hour
• Gun Deaths
• Daily Routines
• The Seas of Plastic
• Great inforgraphics (from print publications)
• Visual Storytelling (book on reserve in the library)

Your design must show an understanding of unity, emphasis, balance and color theory. Your infographic must also engage the attention of the reader in an entertaining manner as well as accurately communicate the statistical information of the topic.

Per our syllabus, you may ONLY use the standard "core" fonts installed in D019 for your assignments unless you obtain prior approval from the instructor (see Parkland's Core Fonts Specimen Sheet). Please talk to your instructor if you need to use a non-standard font from the Adobe Font Folio collection.

Note: High resolution stock photos and illustrations are available from Ingimages or other legal sources. Contact your instructor for more information.

Procedure

1. Research for inspiration: Find examples of clean, modern, minimalist infographics for reference. Pay particular attention to how designers utilize typography to create hierarchy. Study how designers simplify the information and make use of color for contrast (strong or subtle). Make note of how designers use technology to enhance the story. Share links to your best research on your Process Page (links must open in a new window/tab).

2. Editorial Research: Research your story. What is the author's point of view? Who is the target audience? What statistical information is available? Analyze your research and write a written statement of objectives in the form of a memo (see sample brief). In describing the "character" of the infographic, make use of the Vocabulary Wheel as a starting point. Publish your brief as a shared Google Doc and make a link from your Process Page. Email the published link to your instructor.

3. Develop the concept: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see sample wireframe layouts). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Draw exactly how you intend to layout your finished infographic. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and share them on your Process Page for critique.

4. Prototype mock-up: Based on the critique of the above, create the art for the infographic in Illustrator. If needed, use multiple pages to show examples of interactivity. Publish a PDF linked from your Process Page for critique.

5. Developing version 1.0: Revise your mock-up as needed, then import the art into Adobe Animate. Add interactivity and/or animation as needed. Publish a HTML canvas document linked from your Process Page for critique.

6. Developing version 1.1: Duplicate your FLA file and revise your map as needed. Publish a new version of the HTML canvas document linked from your Process Page for critique. Prepare a presentation and "sell" the design to the editor.

7. Grading: Based on the critique of the above, revise the map as needed. If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Review your Process Page and make sure you have an accurate record of your process. You will not receive full credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

8. Extra credit: Submit your project into the annual student show by printing screenshots (use this template) and mounting a tabloid-sized print on foam board. Your project may win a cash prize and be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website.