Interview about Taiwanese Foods Calendar, winner of the A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award 2022
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.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe 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.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
