Bronze Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2022
365 Days Taiwanese Foods Calendar
by Hsiao Ting Tang and Goyen Chen
- A' Design Award 2022 Bronze Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Goyen Chen
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,380
- Verification code 2CB884EB85 · Verify this award
About 365 Days Taiwanese Foods Calendar
Different from the general calendars in the market, the design and packaging of 365 days Taiwanese Foods Calendar is based on the prototype of Bento box, a unique Asian food container. The packaging is designed with a magnetic closure for easy display, collection and portability. In addition to the graphic introduction of the calendar itself, it also shows the Eastern concept of time and introduces festivals, ingredients and festivals, all of which show the unique food culture of the East.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This calendar can be displayed and collected at the same time and is also suitable as a gift or for personal use. You can look at it when you don't know what to have for lunch. This calendar not only conveys the rich diversity of Taiwanese cuisine, but also provides a deeper understanding of the unique Taiwanese food culture. Through the creation of the merchandise, we look forward to promoting the spirit of Taiwanese cuisine and traditional culture.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Product dimensions 215 mm x 150 mm x 55 mm. Calendar size 120 mm x 80 mm x 35 mm. Magnet opening and closing design.
- Tags
- Taiwan, food, Bento, calendar, lunar calendar
- Production Technology
- The trial is made using soybean printing and handmade gift boxes. At the same time, the magnetic clasp design allows the concept of instant collection to be put into practice at the same time. Because of the fear that the old calendar would be blown away in the display, the calendar comes with a Chinese ceramic spoon as a paperweight, which not only fits the image of the product, but also symbolizes the fullness in the oriental symbolism.
- Design Challenge
- The most difficult aspect was that the composition of the packaging needed to be handmade. One of the most challenging aspects was to distinguish it from the usual calendars on the market and even to highlight the characteristics of the subject. Therefore, the merchandise was worked into the material of a gift box, using the outer packaging of a usual meal. Echoing each other.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2019 in Taichung and finished in September 2020 in Taichung. Successfully raise funds through the ZECZEC fundraising platform.
- Operation Flow
- Because this product is packaged with magnets, it can be displayed and stored at the same time, and the calendar itself can also solve your worries about what you eat every day. When using the calendar, you can tear off today's calendar and display it on the top cover of the box. Because the edge of the top cover is designed with a magnetic buckle, it can be folded inward to clamp the calendar. When changing the calendar, you can put the old calendar in another space, and tear off the new calendar as a display at the same time. You can also put some small stationery that you usually use.
- Research
- The 365 Days of Taiwan Food Calendar feature a variety of Taiwanese cuisine as the main visual presentation. Showcasing the importance of Taiwanese food culture. The magnetic clasp is specially designed for collection and display and is suitable for gift giving or personal use! It is different from the usual calendar formats sold in the market. The calendar not only conveys the rich diversity of Taiwanese cuisine, but also provides a deeper understanding of Taiwan's unique food culture. This product looks forward to carrying forward this spirit.
- Inspiration
- Through Taiwanese cuisine, this team has drawn and accumulated hundreds of illustrations. For the sake of commercialization, a calendar dedicated to Taiwanese food was created by specifically combining the "Bento box", a local lunch box packaging unique to Taiwan, with a Taiwanese calendar. As a result, a lot of research on local food was also done, and the inspiration for the illustration content was found through the collection process.
- Image Credits
- Image ： Illustrator Hsiao Ting Tang, Taiwanese Foods, 2020.
Colors of 365 Days Taiwanese Foods Calendar
Grand Interview about 365 Days Taiwanese Foods Calendar
The idea stemmed from the cultural significance of Bento boxes in Taiwanese daily life. We aimed to reinterpret this humble yet iconic object by integrating its practicality into a medium for storytelling. The packaging design evolved to resemble a Bento box, emphasizing modularity and organization, which mirrors the diversity and variety of Taiwanese cuisine. The journey involved sketching concepts inspired by traditional lunchboxes and experimenting with how they could serve as a functional container for the calendar while highlighting Taiwan’s culinary heritage.
Balancing authenticity and modern appeal required meticulous research into traditional dishes and their regional significance. By pairing these elements with minimalist illustrations and clean typography, we ensured the content remained relatable to a contemporary audience. The calendar serves as a bridge, presenting these dishes in a visually engaging format that sparks curiosity while respecting their cultural roots.
These elements were inspired by the tactile experience of enjoying a meal. The magnetic closure symbolizes the anticipation of uncovering something delightful, akin to opening a Bento box. The ceramic spoon, functioning as a paperweight, draws a parallel to the everyday tools of Taiwanese dining, grounding the calendar in its cultural context while adding a playful, functional touch to its use.
The process began with compiling a diverse list of dishes that represented Taiwan’s culinary spectrum, from street food to festival delicacies. We collaborated with culinary historians and local chefs to ensure accuracy and relevance. Each illustration was carefully crafted to highlight the unique essence of the dish, using vibrant colors and intricate details to reflect its identity and cultural story.
The dual functionality was designed to integrate seamlessly into daily routines while serving as an educational tool. By presenting each day with a dish and its brief story, users could learn about Taiwan’s food heritage in digestible segments, fostering an ongoing appreciation that grows with time.
One major challenge was sourcing eco-friendly materials that met our aesthetic and functional requirements. Additionally, ensuring consistency in handcrafted elements like soybean printing required close collaboration with artisans. These hurdles were overcome through persistent experimentation and refining techniques, ensuring the final product remained true to its vision.
The overwhelming support demonstrated a growing public enthusiasm for cultural preservation presented in accessible, everyday formats. It reinforced the importance of blending utility with storytelling, proving that functional design can effectively convey and preserve cultural narratives.
The calendar’s structure aligns with the lunar calendar and seasonal rhythms, featuring dishes that correspond to festivals and traditional occasions. This approach not only enriches the user experience but also highlights the intrinsic connection between Taiwanese food culture and the natural cycle of the seasons.
This project exemplifies how design can make cultural heritage tangible and relatable. It sparks conversations about the importance of preserving traditions while adapting them for modern audiences. As a tool, it bridges generations, encouraging deeper connections with one’s roots through everyday interactions.
Collaboration was key in balancing artistic expression and narrative clarity. The illustrators brought dishes to life with their nuanced understanding of food aesthetics, while graphic designers ensured coherence and usability. This synergy resulted in a visual language that is both evocative and functional, effectively narrating Taiwan’s culinary story.