Information Design - Final Project

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Information Design

Information Design - Final Project Animated Infographic Video

10/03/2026 - 25/03/2025 / Week 6 - Week 8
Emily Ong Su Yu / 0365304
Information Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University

MODULE BRIEF

Figure 1 Module Brief, PDF.


FINAL PROJECT: ANIMATED INFOGRAPHIC VIDEO

STAGE 1 - PRE-PRODUCTION
WEEK 6

In week 6 we had to already form a group with classmates (2 people per group). For this task, we are required to make an animated infographic video based on our Project 1 infographic recipe poster, which is adapted from a video in "Pasta Grannies". The recipe we chose is orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta salata cheese on top.

Here are our group members:

  • Emily Ong Su Yu (0365304)
  • Daphne Lai Yu Cheng (0366380)

Requirements:

  • Using your Project 1 Instructable Infographic Poster as the base
  • A 60-second animated infographic video (PAIR / group)
  • An updated reflective blog / e-portfolio documenting your process (individual)
  • Study, break down and chunk the preparation and cooking process
  • Show you can translate a static design into time-based communication
  • Refine and upgrade the design based on Project 1 Instructable Infographic
  • Improve clarity, hierarchy, and aesthetics through motion
  • Clear sequencing (beginning → end)
  • Consistent style system (icons, typography, colors)
  • Readable pacing (not rushed, not dragging)
  • Motion supports clarity (not decoration)

Reference:

Figure 1.2 Project 1 Final Poster from Emily.

Figure 1.3 Project 1 Final Poster from Dapbne.

During meeting session, our group noted down a lot of important things such as their requirements, and discuss about the art style. We then chose to use the Daphne artstyle, which is easier to animate and illustrate due to its shorter duration.

Figure 1.4 Assets from Dapbne.

In class, Mr Kannan showed us a sample of how the previous students created their progress using After Effect. He also went through the projects brief one with the whole class.

Links for Motion Graphic Chart:

Storyboard

To further visualise our plan for thie project, I drew the storyboard for us to visualise and get feedback from Mr Kannan so we can do some improvements on them.

Figure 1.5 Storyboard #1, Illustration in Procreate by Emily.

Figure 1.6 Storyboard #2, Illustration in Procreate by Emily.

After deciding the recipe to animate, we went to Procreate and listed down the ingredients and steps and separated them into phases.

  • Steps of Cooking Orecchiette
    1. Chop onion and tomato for sauce
    2. Add olive oil
    3. Add water to flour
    4. Add salt, water and dough
    5. Place sauce
    6. Grate salted ricotta

Figure 1.7 Ingredients to make Orecchiette, Screenshot of Maria's Recipe Website.

  • Ingredients
    • Tomato
    • Onion
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Tomato passata
    • Semola
    • Salted ricotta
    • Vegetable stock cube
      • Mixed vegetable: tomato, onion, carrot, parsley, celery
      • Salt
      • Olive oil

Timeing Map for 60s

Figure 1.8 Timeline Map #1, Procreate by Daphne.

Figure 1.9 Timeline Map #2, Procreate by Daphne.

Daphne separated the phases into a timeline map based on feedback from Mr Kannan. The duration for ingredients and utensils is around 3 seconds, and actions like chopping tomatoes and onions are faster. The timeline map is divided into five parts: intro, phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, and credits.

Content
  • Intro
    • Title
    • Ingredients
    • Utensils
  • Phase 1
    • Chop tomato and onion
    • Pour oil
    • Add tomato, onion, salt, basil, puree and vegetable stock cube
    • Stir
  • Phase 2
    • Pour flour
    • Pour water
    • Knead dough
    • Put dough in pot
    • Add salt and water
    • Stir
  • Phase 3
    • Drain pasta
    • Scoop pasta
    • Place sauce
    • Grate cheese
  • Credits
Below is the final animation timeframe

Figure 1.10 Animation Time Frame, Canva by Daphne.

WEEK 7

In week 7 we decided our colour scheme and moodboard for animated infographic video as well as finishing the delegation of task.

Task delegation
  • Emily
    • Intro
    • Phase 1
    • Phase 2
    • Compile
  • Daphne
    • Phase 2
    • Phase 3
    • Credit
Moodboard for animated infographic video

Figure 1.11 Moodboard, PDF.

After we have a clear timing map, storyboard, and moodboard, we developed our storyboard into an animatic and wireframe video based on our timing map and moodboard. This process allowed us to visualise how each scene would flow in sequence, as well as understand the overall pacing of the animation.

By arranging the scenes according to the timeline, we were able to determine the duration of each action, such as the introduction, ingredient presentation, and cooking steps. This gave us a clearer sense of how the final animation would look and feel. Through this stage, we identified areas that needed improvement, such as adjusting timing, simplifying transitions, and ensuring that the information was communicated clearly.

Animatic and wireframe

Figure 1.12 Storyboard turned into a video with timing, MP4.


STAGE 2 - PRODUCTION
WEEK 8

This whole week, we had a lot of group meetings where we start create the motion graphic which we would want to present on week 8 consultation to Mr Kannan for feedback. Each os us individually had to sketch, animate our part in After Effect and compile in just 1 minute.

We used After Effect to animate. These are the effects & tools that we used:

  • Scale
  • Opacity
  • Rotation
  • Position
  • Null Object
  • Trim Paths
INTRODUCTION

This was the overall look for the introduction because we're going for a more simple, minimalistic direction. Daphne used Text > Animate > Opacity > Animator > Position > Range Selector > Advanced.

  • Opacity to create the fade in effect.
  • Position to locate where should the text appear (in this case, moving upwards).
  • Range Selector to adjust the Start 0%, End 100% and Offset -100%.
  • Advanced to select the mode of animation (in this case, I selected Ramp Up, Animate by character.)

The feedback we've gotten from Mr. Kannan was that the font choice was not suitable so we had to search for another font to compare and the text animation of "orrechiette" and "with tomato" should not appear at the same time as "orecchiette" is the main subject of this video. Instead of making the orecchiette dish wiggle a little, make it more "surprising and exciting".

Figure 2.1 Intro #1.

The introduction idea was not preferred so we proceeded with Emily's introduction scene using Montserrat for font choice and capital letters for all letters, Mr. Kannan said that it looks okay after switching.

Figure 2.2 Intro #2.

PHASE 1: MAKING SAUCE
  • Slicing tomato on cutting board

I referred to the step-by-step tutorial provided in the project brief slides. I used a mask on the whole tomato and applied rotation and scale to the tomato slice.

Figure 2.3 Change of speed using graph editor for tomato slicing.

  • Knife on cutting board

For the knife, I used position and 3D rotation to create the illusion of cutting.

Figure 2.4 Change of speed using graph editor for knife slicing.

  • Add olive oil into saucepan

I used the roughen edges effect on the olive oil to make the poured liquid appear more natural and less smooth, enhancing the realism of the animation.

Figure 2.5 Add olive oil progress.

Figure 2.6 Olive oil bottle progress.

I also used graph editor to modify the speed olive oil bottle.

  • Add onion slice into saucepan

For adding sliced onion into the sauce pan, I used a 3D camera and applied rotation animations using expressions. This helped create a more natural falling motion for the onions. I used the same way for the tomato but apply more weight for them by decreasing the speed.

Figure 2.7 Add onion slices progress.

I used seedRandom to create random motion for the onion slices as they fall down.

Figure 2.8 Random onion slices progress.

  • Add basil leaves into saucepan

I used wiggle and time-based rotation to add movement to the basil leaves, making them feel more natural and dynamic.

Figure 2.9 Add basil leaves progress.

  • Add tomato puree into saucepan

I referred to the tutorial given in the project brief. At the same time, I used the Turbulent Displace effect with an amount of 15, size of 50, and evolution set to 0+172 on the tomato puree to create a creamy texture.

Figure 2.10 Add creamy texture liquid progress.

Week 8 progress showed during consultation

Figure 2.11 Week 8 progress showed during consultation, MP4.

This week we presented our progress we have to Mr Kannan in online consultation, where we got a lot of valuable feedbacks and advices from him.

Feedback on 23 March Consultation

  • Intro is too short; it should be around 3 seconds.
  • The animation of the olive oil is good, but it is not clearly visible because the pot is blocking it.
  • Phase 1: The tomato drop can be improved by showing the knife coming in to chop, while the cutting board stays in place. The tomato should be pushed to the left, then slide faster into the pan. The transition speed can be increased, and slow in/slow out easing should be used. The pot should remain stationary.
  • Phase 2: The sliding motion can be faster. The background colour can transition using a gradient. The flour animation does not need too much movement. The dough section is currently confusing and not clearly understood.
  • The font choice was compared and is currently not suitable.
  • After comparison, the overall animation looks okay.
PHASE 1: MAKING SAUCE (after consultation)
  • Fire

I added a stove and fire with sound effects, and applied wiggle(3,5) to create a natural flickering movement.

Figure 2.11 Fire wiggle.

I also applied the Turbulent Displace effect, setting the amount to 10 and the size to 20, while adjusting the evolution to create a more dynamic and organic movement.

Figure 2.12 Fire effect.

  • Add vegetable stock cube into saucepan

I used a null object to link the stock cube with the spoon, allowing both elements to move and drop together into the sauce.

Figure 2.13 Parent vegetable stock cube with spoon.

PHASE 2: ORECCHIETTE DOUGH (after consultation)
  • Pour semola rimacinata

I used the CC Particle World effect to create semola rimacinata pouring from the package by adjusting the perspective and setting the particle type to Line with a birth rate of 2.0.

Figure 2.14 Pour semola rimacinata progress.

  • Pour water

I repeated the same method used for the olive oil and tomato puree, and added extra details such as water droplets.

Figure 2.15 Pour water progress.

  • Knead dough

I illustrated the process of the dough in Illustrator, starting from a whole mass and gradually rolling it into a cylindrical shape.

Figure 2.16 Knead dough illustrate progress.

I improvised this part based on Mr Kannan’s feedback by using hands to press and shape the dough into orecchiette. This helped make the process more accurate and closer to the traditional method.

Figure 2.17 Knead dough animate progress.

PHASE 3: PREPARING TO SERVE ORECCHIETTE
  • Pasta pot

Daphne added the pasta pot to start off phase 3 along with a boiling sound effect and adjusted the position to start from left to right with the easy ease effects so it looks smoother. Then to bring in the colander, Daphne moved the position of the pot upwards by using position and scale.

Next, Daphne enabled the 3D layer for the pot and rotated it inwards to make the pot appear to be tilting to start pouring the pasta water into the colander.

Figure 2.18 Animation of draining pasta water.

  • Transferring orecchiette onto plate

Daphne applied keyframe on position for each of the pasta along with easy ease and motion blur effect to achieve a smooth and natural transfer of the orecchiette onto the plate.

Figure 2.19 Animation of transferring orecchiette onto plate.

  • Topping orecchiette with tomato sauce

Daphne animated the sauce transfer by using a spoon layer to scoop and place the sauce onto the dish. To create a seamless transition, Daphne adjusted the opacity so the sauce gradually disappears from the spoon as it appears on the plate to mimic a natural pouring motion.

Figure 2.20 Animation of putting sauce onto orecchiette.

  • Grating cacio ricotta onto orecchiette

In this part, Daphne used slide in transition for the cacio ricotta and grater and move the cacio ricotta up and down as the pieces of cacio ricotta appears on the dish by making the opacity 0 to 100% to make it look more natural.

Figure 2.21 Animation of grating cacio ricotta onto orecchiette.

CREDIT SCENE

The transition for the credits scene remained the same sliding in animation to ensure the consistency until the end.As for the typography, we've selected a versatile font, Montserrat, that works well in both capital and small capital letters.

Daphne took inspiration from movie ending credits where they focused on the main subjects by making them bold. In this case, our names are the main subjects and the "created by" is just a supporting term.

For crediting Pasta Grannies, Daphne used the same method but instead of typing "Pasta Grannies", Daphne decided to use their logo because Daphne think it shows their brand identity more instead of just plain text. Daphne applied a bounce effect for the logo by using scale > easy ease > motion blur. The animation ends with the Pasta Grannies logo sliding out.

Figure 2.22 Credit scene transition.

COMPILATION

After completing all the parts, I was in charge of compiling them. We held a Google Meet to ensure that there were no errors during the exporting process. Lastly, the final animated video was uploaded to both Google Drive and Youtube.

    *This project's compilation was completed together by both of us and all progress are included in both of our portfolios to show our shared work.*
FINAL ANIMATED INFOGRAPHIC VIDEO
WEEK 8

Figure 3 Animated Infographic Video, Youtube.
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/0jAHfa2smlo?si=8gHYfkmXWuMsTeOe


FEEDBACKS

Week 6: Mr Kannan give feedback that ingredients and utensils can be diff slides, ingredient slide up and add wiggle. Use diff colour background for phase 2 and 3, smoke at the end, credit in the smoke, add little movement.

Week 7: No motion graphics yet, make timeline map neater and more presentable, colour changing background can be animatrics.

Week 8: Mr Kannan give feedback through online consultation including intro is too short, intro can be 3 seconds Animation of olive oil is good but cant see most of it because of pot covering and blocking. Phase 1: tomato drop, knife come in to chop, board stay, push tomato to the left, slide faster to the pan, double the speed of transition, use slow in slow out, the pot stop only leave. Phase 2: sliding in can be faster, background colour can transition using gradient, don’t need so much performance for flour, the dough part doesnt show confusing to understand. Compared font choice, current one is not suitable. After comparison: Looks okay.


REFLECTIONS

Overall, this project helped me understand how to translate a static infographic into a time-based animated sequence using After Effects. Throughout the process, I learned how to break down each cooking step into clear stages and assign appropriate timing to create a smooth and understandable flow. I also explored different effects and techniques such as masking, 3D layers, Turbulent Displace, CC Particle World, wiggle expressions, and null objects to enhance realism and movement in my animation.

Based on feedback from Mr Kannan, I made several improvements to my work, including adjusting timing, improving visibility of elements, and refining transitions between scenes. This helped me realise the importance of clarity and hierarchy in motion design, especially when communicating a process. I also improved my use of animation principles such as easing, pacing, and layering to make the visuals more engaging and less confusing.

In addition, I learned how small details such as particle effects, texture distortion, and subtle motion can significantly enhance the overall quality of the animation. Challenges such as controlling complex expressions and ensuring visibility of elements pushed me to experiment and refine my techniques. Overall, this project improved my technical skills in After Effects as well as my understanding of how motion can be used to communicate information effectively.

© 2026 Emily — Information Design - Final Project Animated Inforgraphic Video
Sem 1

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