Interview about Kayan 2022 Calendar, winner of the A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award 2023
Kayan 2022 Calendar is a foldable poster that turns into a pocket size leaflet. The calendar has a unique simple design. Every month is displayed with an iconic geometric form. Dates are lined around the iconic forms and weekends are distinguished in a different color. Its design is very simple and can be easily read without the need of adding days above the dates. The calendar after use can be flipped and displayed as an architectural poster.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe transformation of the Kayan 2022 Calendar into both a functional tool and an architectural poster was inspired by a desire to merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. This dual-purpose concept was born from the idea of creating a piece that not only keeps time but also serves as an inspiring visual element in any space. Throughout the design process, the challenge was to seamlessly integrate artistic expression with everyday functionality, thereby reflecting the innovative spirit of Kayan's architectural practice.
The design of the Kayan 2022 Calendar, marked by its geometric forms and resemblance to broken cubes, draws inspiration from the distinctive geometry of the Kayan logo. This direction allowed me to explore a variety of organic and geometric compositions, leading to the creation of a series of forms that artfully blend diamond shapes and cubes. This combination introduces a captivating illusion effect, where the interplay between these shapes creates a visual depth that seems to shift depending on the viewer's perspective. This dynamic interaction not only showcases Kayan's dedication to modern and innovative architectural solutions but also adheres to and expands upon their established design philosophy, illustrating a commitment to both form and function in architectural design.
Challenging traditional calendar designs was key to promoting Kayan's brand image & design aesthetics as modern and innovative. Opting for a compact, pocket-sized design that doubles as a wall poster, the calendar was crafted to be not only practical but also a piece of decor. The decision to forego traditional day headers in favor of a streamlined date arrangement was aimed at enhancing the simplicity and modernity of the design, making it intuitive and user-friendly while still stylish.
One challenge was selecting a paper durable enough to maintain its form when folded yet premium enough to reflect Kayan’s sophisticated identity. After careful consideration, I selected 120 gsm wood-free paper, which offered a perfect balance of quality, environmental friendliness, and durability, with an uncoated finish to enhance its tactile appeal.
Receiving an A' Design Award for the Kayan 2022 Calendar was an honor that significantly impacted my approach to design. It strengthened my focus on detail, concept development, and presentation quality. This recognition has not only boosted my credibility but also deepened my clients' trust in my ability to deliver innovative, impactful designs.
Incorporating white space into the calendar design was a practical decision to cater to Kayan's team, providing ample room for notes and marking important dates. This minimal yet functional approach ensured the calendar balanced usability with a unique, standout aesthetic.
The subtle use of color coding enhances the functionality of the calendar while aligning with Kayan’s elegant brand identity. Weekends are marked in a calming blue, contrasting with the bright red used for holidays, facilitating quick visual differentiation by users and maintaining a cohesive look that complements Kayan's sophisticated style.
Kuwait’s limited material resources influenced many execution decisions. However, the simplicity of the design allowed me to achieve Kayan’s vision with locally available materials, leveraging my professional network to ensure the final product was both practical and modern while meeting the client’s expectations.
The architectural collage on the reverse side of the calendar was a way to honor Kayan's architectural identity. Featuring details inspired by works of Arch. Bashar Al Salem and photographer Jack Wozniak, the design transforms the calendar into a timeless piece of art, extending its life and purpose beyond the calendar year.
The design process of the Kayan 2022 Calendar was a delightful blend of creativity and functionality, emphasizing the intersection of corporate and artistic design. This project demonstrated the potential of graphic design to enhance business communications, making everyday tools like calendars both functional and visually engaging, and deepening client engagement through thoughtful design.
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