Information Design Project 1 - Instructable Poster

13/01/2023 - 27/02/2023 (Week 1 - 2)
WONG JUN ZHE / 0353613
Information Design / B' Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 1 - Instructable Poster

---

INSTRUCTIONS

Project 1 (Part 1): Static Instructable Poster

To start off, I chose a Pasta Granny video that I find interesting, as instructed.

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJz3HD6WdE4&t=3s

Then, I looked for some references that I could use as guides when designing the poster. I decided that I prefer a creative, balanced design, with some sense of symmetry. 

Infographics that I used as reference:

References from provided slides

At this point, I have quite a good idea on how the poster should look like. So, I began sketching. 

Sketch

I sketched out the placement of each asset to ease my illustration process. 

Then, I inserted the sketch into Illustrator, and began to work on individual assets. I mainly used both the pen tool and the brush tool. I decided to use brush tool to add some texture to the assets, so they do not look so flat. 

A group of illustrated assets (flour, fresh yeast, olive oil, sugar, salt)

Use of gradient on smoke

Next, for the titles and subtitles, I used a typeface called Buckwheat TC. This typeface features a san serif design that suits the look that I am going for. It also has a textured variant that I can use. 

Textured text for title

Regular text for subtitles

For smaller texts / descriptions, I used a typeface called Playzone. This typeface has a handwritten look and feel to it and I really like the style of this typeface. 

Added other texts to show actions

Added descriptions

Then, I added arrows to show the flow of steps, as seen below. 

2: Toppings Preparation

I coloured the actual Sfincione de Bagheria using the brush tool while watching the video to get the kind of shape it has. I also picked the colours from one specific frame of the video to have a more accurate colour palette. 

Reference 1

Reference 2

Illustration of the end product

To finish off, I added a 'brick wall' texture to the background and a slither of smoke that comes from the food itself. The smoke is designed to connect all 4 sub-titles by passing through them, which gives a sense of unity and flow. 

Transparency panel

BG texture

Added smoke

Initial Final

Initial Final - Instructable Poster

Upon receiving feedback from Mr Hafiz, there are a few things that needs to be modifed to make the design better. 

Feedback by Mr Hafiz

Thus, I lowered the saturation and brightness of the background texture by choosing a darker, more contrasting and basically a lower-key hue: dark blue. I also decreased the saturation of the background texture so the important assets for the instructions are more clear and visible. 

New BG

Also, I added some doodles of wheat grains at the bottom of the poster to fill out some unwanted negative space. 

Added doodles

I made a few minor adjustments to the size and placement of the assets from the previous version; and finally, I am happy with the poster design. 

FINAL OUTCOME

(FINAL) Project 1 - Instructable Poster

Project 1 (Part 2): Animated Instructable Motion Graphic

Step 1: Create assets for motion graphic.

Creating assets in Illustrator

Step 2: Separate every scene and name each layer accordingly for the ease of animating in After Effects. I also created individual files for each scene/step. 

Layers

Organised into individual files

Step 3: Move into After Effects.

Step 4: Import all .ai files into after effects. 

Imported files into AE

Step 5: Adjust the composition settings. I decided to use 1920*1080 60fps as I think the additional frames will make the motion graphic look smoother. 

Composition Settings

Step 6: Animate.

Part of Animation I

Part of Animation II

Part of Animation III

Step 7: Add some special effects (moving lines, bubbles, transitions)

"Bubble" animation

"Moving lines" animation

Step 8: Add texts; fonts used are Buckwheat and Playzone.

Step 9: Add background music. Music link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FJQ4cYu_1Q&list=PLbky1Uo8tP8CSLdGbdwFezMjDuukfUh7A&index=9

FINAL OUTCOME

- - - - - - - - - - - - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdGu8XeDbcU - - - - - - - - - - - -