Module Information (MI)
Module Assessment Tasks Document
I. Recap
In Task 2, I need to analyse a design work that I selected in Task 1. I will explain the design principles, layout and purpose of the design in about 300–400 words. Then, I will create three new ideas inspired by this design and explain each idea briefly. I will also include references and feedback from my lecturer in this blogpost.
II. Visual Analysis
Fig. 1 United – The United Nations Fight for Freedom (1943)
Observation.
This poster uses a portrait format with a clear visual hierarchy. The word “UNITED” appears in very large, bold, white uppercase letters at the top, immediately establishing the theme. Below it, a dense cluster of multiple national flags sweeps diagonally upward through dark smoke. The flags are brightly coloured (reds, blues, whites) and overlap one another, creating a layered surface. At the bottom, silhouettes of warships and aircraft appear against a glowing orange light that suggests fire or bombardment. A slogan line reads “THE UNITED NATIONS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM” near the lower edge.
Analysis.
The composition relies on strong contrast: the white “UNITED” and the vivid flags stand out sharply against the smoky, dark background. This contrast produces emphasis and ensures the message remains legible at a distance—an effective strategy for propaganda posters. The diagonal “wave” of flags creates movement, guiding the eye from the burning battlefield at the bottom to the hopeful, declarative headline at the top. Many flags reinforce the idea of collective strength, while the overlap and tight grouping generate unity and visual density, making the alliance feel large and unstoppable. The design also uses scale and hierarchy: headline → flags → wartime silhouettes → tagline, which structures how viewers read meaning. The smoke functions as negative space that frames the flags, enhancing figure–ground clarity and dramatizing the scene.
Interpretation.
Created as a World War II poster for the U.S. Office of War Information (OWI Poster No. 79) and commonly credited to Leslie Ragan, the design uses the wartime term “United Nations” to refer to the Allied coalition. By presenting many national flags advancing together above ships and aircraft, the poster communicates that freedom is protected through shared sacrifice and coordinated military power. The upward direction and the bright colours against smoke suggest resilience: despite destruction below, the alliance rises as one. As visual rhetoric, it persuades viewers to read the war not as separate national conflicts but as a single moral struggle—unity as the condition for victory and “freedom” as the central justification.
References
III. Self Design
Design One
Fig. 1 Together We Go Further
This design represents humanity’s collective journey into space. The Sun, Moon, and central star symbolise the universe and the shared dream of exploration. Inspired by the selected design, I developed the idea that humanity can progress further and even move beyond Earth when people work together. The rocket and orbital path create movement, guiding the viewer’s eye around the composition. The overlapping celestial bodies express harmony and unity, suggesting cooperation among nations. Through symbol and the combination of word and image, the design communicates that humanity can travel farther when working together.
Fig. 3 Initial Geometric Concept Development
Fig. 4 Design Development Process
During the design process, I first developed the main structure of the design using two large circles as the core visual elements. I then placed a polygon at the intersection of the two circles to create a visual centre and focal point. This arrangement helped me establish a balanced composition and a clearer hierarchy within the design. In this process, I chose Adobe Photoshop as my main design tool because it allowed me to insert online visual materials more easily and refine the composition in a cleaner and more organised way. Using Photoshop also helped me develop the design more efficiently and present the final outcome with a neater visual appearance.
Source of Inspiration
Fig. 5 illustration of mars
Illustration Of Mars Red Planet With Crators Stock Illustration - Download Image Now - Abstract, Astrology, Astronomy - iStock
Design Two
Fig. 6 "Family"
This idea personifies the word “FAMILY” by transforming each letter into a character representing a family member. The letter “F” extends to form a roof that shelters the rest of the family from rain, symbolising protection and emotional support within a family. Inspired by the selected design, I reflected on the idea that the world can be seen as one large family, while our own households represent smaller families within it. In both cases, people must rely on one another in order to overcome difficulties and endure life’s storms. The rain and the money symbols inside the clouds represent financial pressure and life challenges such as bills and responsibilities. Movement is created through the falling rain and the slanted roof, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the protected family members. Harmony and unity are shown through the consistent hand-drawn style and the close arrangement of the letters under one roof. Symbol is expressed through the roof and rain, while word and image are combined by turning the word “FAMILY” itself into a visual illustration of family relationships.
Fig. 7 Initial Concept Sketch for “Family”
Fig. 8 Refined Design of “Family” Illustration
During the design process, I developed this concept based on a Chinese public service television advertisement from the early 2000s, using the word “FAMILY” as the main structural element of the composition. I also incorporated an anthropomorphic approach to make the letters appear more lively, expressive, and emotionally engaging. For this design, I chose to use GoodNotes on my iPad as my drawing tool. I used the software’s simulated pencil and pen brushes to sketch and refine the illustration, which gave me greater freedom in the drawing process. This method made the design feel more natural, flexible, and less rigid, while also allowing the final outcome to retain a hand-drawn and personal visual quality.
Source of Inspiration
Fig. 9 Public Service Advertisement
https://m-2.duitang.com/blog?id=1554071077
Design Three
Fig. 10 Climbing
This design is inspired by the selected artwork United – The United Nations Fight for Freedom, from which I derived the idea of unity and mutual support. The illustration depicts a mountaineering team helping each other climb through a fierce snowstorm until they finally reach the summit and raise a victory flag, leaving no one behind. The design applies the principles of Movement, shown through the blowing snow and waving flag; Harmony and Unity, expressed by the teamwork of the climbers; Symbol, represented by the flag and mountain peak as signs of achievement; and Word and Image, combining the slogan “Leave No One Behind” with the visual narrative.
Fig. 10 Final Design Development
This design was completed entirely through traditional pencil hand-drawing, and the story of mountaineers climbing Mount Everest served as the main inspiration for the work. I chose to use the most basic materials, pencil and paper, because they allowed me to express my ideas more directly and intuitively. Unlike digital tools, this method is less restricted by mechanical or software-based frameworks, giving me greater freedom during the creative process. It also helped me present the concept in a more honest, raw, and pure way, so that the message I wanted to convey could be communicated more naturally and effectively.
Source of Inspiration
Fig. 11 Humans reached the summit of Mount Everest via the North Face for the first time
Feedback
Week 4
My lecturer suggested that I should develop deeper ideas when explaining and analysing my selected artwork, rather than only describing its visual appearance. The analysis should show more critical thinking, including how the design principles contribute to meaning, communication, and emotional impact. This feedback reminded me that visual analysis is not only about identifying elements such as contrast, balance, or repetition, but also about interpreting why the designer used them and how they influence the audience’s understanding.
In addition, my lecturer advised that the three designs I create should clearly be inspired by my chosen artwork. At the same time, I can also learn from the strengths of other design works and combine those qualities into my own ideas. This means my design development should not stop at producing a simple logo or graphic symbol. Instead, each design should communicate a sense of story and convey a clear message to the viewer. In response to this feedback, I will focus on creating designs that are more meaningful, expressive, and concept-driven, so that the audience can better understand the emotion, idea, or narrative I want to deliver.
Week 5
My lecturer suggested that my design ideas should be more clearly developed from the selected artwork. When explaining my own designs, I should explicitly mention which visual elements or concepts from the chosen artwork inspired my ideas and explain the relationship between my design and the original reference. She also recommended strengthening the connection in my third design so that the influence of the selected artwork is more evident. In addition, the lecturer advised me to include sketches or working files in my blog to demonstrate the design development process and show how my ideas evolved from the initial concept to the final outcome.
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