Day Code - Chinese Almanac: A Unique and Innovative Calendar Design

Bringing Traditional Wisdom into the Modern World

In the 1960s to 1980s, calendars provided by various companies and stores were a common sight in Taiwanese homes. People would tear off a page each morning, not only to mark the date but also to consult the lunar calendar for auspicious hours and zodiac animal predictions. These calendars held the codes of daily life, guiding people on what tasks to prioritize and what to avoid. Wan Fen Chen was captivated by the idea of transposing this wealth of information into simple and visually appealing graphics.

The Day Code - Chinese Almanac stands out from other calendars with its unique properties. While traditional calendars provided information in verbal form, this design presents signs transposed from words, making it more accessible and visually engaging. Chen carefully filtered and selected reminders suitable for modern individuals, such as marriage, business contracts, opening a business, and moving. By incorporating these reminders, the Day Code - Chinese Almanac helps users make informed decisions about their daily activities.

The realization of this design involved the use of risograph technology and perfect binding. The calendar's compact dimensions of w100 mm x d36 mm x h143 mm make it suitable for any desk or tabletop. The absence of punch holes allows the pages to remain intact, while a special rack provides a simple and elegant display. Users can personalize the calendar by writing reminders and notes in the designated columns and using corresponding reminder stickers to record tasks, thoughts, and wish lists, effectively transforming it into a diary.

The Day Code - Chinese Almanac project began in January 2022 and was completed in December 2022 in Taiwan. Wan Fen Chen conducted extensive research to ensure the design's authenticity and cultural relevance. By transposing words into comprehensive graphics, incorporating traditional Taiwanese tiles with floral patterns, and adding lunar calendar dates, Chen successfully captured the essence of Taiwanese culture in this modern calendar design.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of this design was the declining popularity of printed calendars in the digital era. To address this, Wan Fen Chen added interesting and functional elements to the Day Code - Chinese Almanac, such as an enlarged note section and specially designed reminder stickers. These additions aim to rekindle people's interest in printed calendars by offering a unique and interactive experience.

The Day Code - Chinese Almanac has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022 in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and professional standards of the design, as well as its contribution to creating a better world.

With its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, the Day Code - Chinese Almanac offers a unique way to stay organized and connected to traditional wisdom. Wan Fen Chen's innovative approach to calendar design brings a touch of nostalgia and cultural richness into the lives of modern individuals.