12 Pockets 2014: A Calendar That Marries Functionality with Style

Katsumi Tamura's Award-Winning Calendar Design for NTT Resonant

The 12 Pockets 2014 was created in response to NTT Resonant's request for a calendar that was both practical and stylish. The result was a calendar with a unique feature: each month's sheet transforms into a pocket. This allows users to store and manage business cards, notes, and receipts, enhancing the calendar's functionality beyond mere date tracking.

The design's theme, "Red String," symbolizes the bond between the portal site goo (http://www.goo.ne.jp) and its users. This bond is physically represented by red stitches that hold both ends of the pocket together, serving as a visual highlight of the design. The calendar's dimensions are 220(w) x 155(h) x 90(d)mm, making it a compact yet visually striking addition to any workspace.

Behind the 12 Pockets 2014 design was a team led by Executive Creative Director Motohisa Suzuki. Other key contributors included Creative Directors Kunio Maeda and Takuya Okamoto, Producer Tomoko Ito, Designer Takahiro Sugawara, Copywriter Toshiyuki Nagamatsu, and Printing Director Osami Gondaira. The design was launched in January 2014.

The 12 Pockets 2014 calendar stands out for its innovative approach to a common object. By adding storage pockets to a schedule calendar, Katsumi Tamura has not only enhanced its functionality but also added a stylish element that sets it apart from conventional calendars. The design's success is reflected in its recognition with the prestigious Golden A' Design Award, which honors outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.

The 12 Pockets 2014 calendar is a shining example of how design can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. It is a testament to Katsumi Tamura's innovative vision and his ability to create functional, aesthetically pleasing objects that resonate with users and contribute to their lifestyle.