Interview about Syn Universal Calendar, winner of the A' Decorative Items and Homeware Design Award 2025
Syn is an innovative calendar/ monthly planner featuring a unique layout for various and universal time intervals. It is designed as a mechanical, three dimensional planner that assists people in organizing tasks and events without using a digital application. Inspired by the philosophy of Lo Tek Design, it optimizes the use of a physical calendar, providing more detailed information. The structure design adapted the pattern of time, making it universal to any month and day. It can assist in tracking and recording events over a comfortable length of time.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe most common time management tools are either two-dimensional or digital applications. I honor that the approaches we currently use, such as paper calendars and digital planners, etc, are adequate and sufficient for modern applications. However, this also inspired me to consider alternatives to the one we do not have. Time management tools are essential for the development of human civilization. This is the key point I question for this project: What can we learn from the past? The form factors, usages, scenarios, limits, and materials. Many ancient time management tools have existed across different cultures throughout history, each representing its rich origin and profound impact. It is a tool forged by time and generations of usage. They are unique, intriguing, and represent a different way of thinking. However, many interesting elements seem to have been lost in time. Therefore, this is the reason I developed the project, which utilizes Lo-Tek philosophy to create a new calendar that celebrates the past while looking to the present.
Its form is inspired by the “Quipu” an ancient Andean South American linguistic system using knots tied in wool or ropes to record important events. Calendars should provide sufficient information that people would want to know. The adjustable pointers and details can maximize the space for information while keeping the sleek shape. The semantics of the object should be straightforward, and a clock-like appearance fits perfectly to tell its purpose.
Reflecting on the amount of time people spend on screen usage, planning an event, or scheduling a meeting is usually between typing and clicking. Based on the broad scope of this single approach, it is efficient, accessible, and effective for all people. However, this format also narrows the images of how modern people view time management and limits the possibility of developing innovative things. The solution is to increase the interaction between the user and the object, making people more engaged rather than just clicking on the screen. The clock-like time chart can give you an overall idea of your time planning, and also provide enough details to allow you to know when and what to do. It is an aesthetic and practical combination.
I want the calendar to provide adequate information without being overwhelming. The pin can serve as a reminder for a significant period or represent a consistent schedule, allowing the user to define and adjust it as needed. It can be a personal calendar that only you understand.
Providing sufficient information is one of the primary considerations when I design the object. I want to maximize the usage, being more than just a monthly or weekly planner. And the unique structure layout can perfectly achieve my goal.
The adaptable structure is the main challenge for this project. The machinic details drive the form. We consider more than five formations and develop over ten prototypes. Especially when developing the information-like chart for the dates, and being able to make it universal and adjustable. It is challenging to finalize the final form because there are numerous approaches to combine the elements. However, we all agreed that the current shape is the best option to achieve both aesthetic and functional appeal.
It is designed to be placed on a desktop. So the dimension is carefully considered for reading and adjusting the structure. Additionally, the manufacturable size for the pointer arms is limited, as it is the thinnest part of all. Overall, the dimensions are comfortable for viewing and allow the machine's structure to work.
We aim to design for modern people's usage, and a simple, pure material with a sleek appearance is preferable. The clear acrylic pointer creates a floating effect, and the clean, matte aluminum body adds a stylish and timeless feel to the design.
We are always careful to pick and develop every project. Because we believe it is essential to design based on research and create meaningful designs. Projects that prompt people to consider different alternatives. Objects that inspire creativity and innovation. Syn Universal Calendar is definitely one of our featured projects. It provides practical usage, creates a unique form factor, and generates a discourse about humanity.
Syn Universal Calendar is an option, an opportunity, a dialogue for people to see that there are more interesting potentials that simple physical objects can achieve. But also showcasing that there are more time-managing formats, instead of just boring boxes and charts, we currently use. The world is driving fast into the digital era, which is a matter of fact; however, I would like to envision that our project can inspire people to think innovatively and recognize the valuable elements in our everyday objects.
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