KMF1043 Human Development Psychology Semester 2 2021/2022

Build a Fictional Character Infographic Project (30%)

Overview
Occasionally, you may find yourself wondering how you became the person you are today,
or why some people act differently from others. You also may have thought about why a
cheerful child might grow into a rebellious teenager, or why people adopt different views,
values, or principles as they grow older.

Human development is a branch of psychology with the goal of understanding people —

how they develop, grow, and change throughout their lives. It examines the influences of
nature and nurture on the process of human development, as well as processes of change
in context across time.

Your task is to imagine and create a fictional character stage by stage and
decide what will shape your character by making explicit reference to concepts
and theories in Human Development Psychology.

Deliverables

You will be required to submit the following for this assignment (explained in more detail
below):

1. An infographic of your fictional character.

2. A video presentation your fictional character.

Infographic
Infographics are visual representations of information that can include numbers, text,
images, or any combination of the three. Create a timeline infographic that tells the
story chronologically of the development of a fictional character. You must
include the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of your character and
explain the influences that shaped these developments by making explicit reference to
concepts and theories in Human Development Psychology.
(Refer to https://www.easel.ly/blog/infographic-timeline-templates/ for timeline
infographic templates)

Infographic Video Presentation

The video presentation should:

• introduce your fictional character to a viewer who is completely unfamiliar with

your project.

• explain what influenced the development your fictional person with justifications
based on concepts and theories in Human Development Psychology.

• explain how the activity has contributed to your learning of Human Development
Psychology.
KMF1043 Human Development Psychology Semester 2 2021/2022

• Presentation should be no longer than 6 minutes. All members must take part.

Instruction
Each group will consist of 5 students. To complete this assignment successfully you MUST
refer to Experience Human Development by Papalia and Martorell. You will find
a digital version of the book on the course eLeap.
A fictional character is a person created by the imagination or invented specifically. The
example shown is the fictional character, Harry Potter. In order to create a fictional
character, think about the points below. Then think about the influences involved based
on your understanding of Human Development Psychology.

• Motivation
o What does your character want?
• History
o Why do they have the motivation
they do?
• Traits
o Physical description, personality,
and philosophy
• Strengths
o What makes them able to achieve
their goals?
• Weaknesses
o What is keeping them from
achieving their goals?
• Ultimate development
o Where do you want the character
to end up?

Human Development Psychology Stages

Create your fictional person stage by stage. Decide what will shape your character by
making explicit reference to concepts and theories in Human Development Psychology.

Task
Forming New life • Explain how heredity and environment interact in the
development of your fictional person.
e.g., genetic transmission, maternal and paternal factors
Birth & The First • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
Three Years development of your fictional person.
• Birth, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
e.g., birth process, temperament
KMF1043 Human Development Psychology Semester 2 2021/2022

Early Childhood • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and

development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
e.g., parenting styles, socialization
Middle • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
Childhood development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
e.g., schooling, family, and peer relationships
Adolescence • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
e.g., family, peer, and cultural influences
Young Adulthood • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
• e.g., moral reasoning, relationships
Middle • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
Adulthood development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
• e.g., work, the social clock
Late Adulthood • Explain the influences on the pattern of growth and
development of your fictional person.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
e.g., ageism, social relationships

Please review the Fictional Character Infographic & Presentation Grading Rubric on the
class eLeap as you develop your team projects.

Creating the Infographic

1. Explore online to see the various infographics. Become familiar with what
infographics are and what they look like.

a. A good basic overview of the history and use of information graphics is available
on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_graphics

b. Check out examples of what are considered to be “good” and “bad” infographics.

2. Know your subject. Become a Content Expert on the human development

psychology. Do a thorough research on your topic and review it with your instructor.
Using the literature (i.e., books, journals, and other professional resources) and
reputable websites, gather information to include pertinent facts.

3. Plan the “Story” your Infographic will tell. Draw a rough sketch of the infographic.
The infographic must have a beginning, middle, and end. Consider developing a
KMF1043 Human Development Psychology Semester 2 2021/2022

concept map, flow diagram, or wireframe (shown below) to depict your infographic
plan.

4. Think VISUAL:

a. Identify ways to convert text to images. Try to convert as much of your data
and text into visual imagery by using charts, graphs, diagrams, maps,
flowcharts, and other elements.

b. Determine the desired look you are trying to achieve for your infographic. The
visual approach you want helps you determine the colour scheme, font types,
and structure. Keep things simple with only 2-3 fonts, sizes, and colours.

5. Create your infographic. There are several good options for sites that will help you to
create visually appealing infographics that are either free or low cost. Here are a few
of them: Easel.ly, Canva, Piktochart, Infogram.

6. Go back and reconsider the knowledge you are trying to convey. Be sure that your
analysis and insight into the data are represented to tell the story so the intended
message(s) are communicated.

7. Proofread and refine. Work with your teammates and have friends, your instructor,
other experts review your work before you publish it. Double check the accuracy of
your data and information as well as make sure there are no grammatical or
typographical errors. Be sure to cite all sources.

8. Finalize and publish your infographic.