Revolutionizing Calendars: Caxton Chung's "Techo"

Award-winning Calendar Design Blends Functionality and Aesthetics

Chung's motivation behind the creation of "Techo" was to design a multi-functional calendar that could adapt to various daily work scenarios. The result was a calendar that could be used as a desktop calendar when opened and easily converted into a planner and notebook when closed. This design was inspired by the common need for calendars during business meetings.

What sets "Techo" apart from other calendars is its foldable structure. When folded, it stands as a desktop calendar, and when closed, it transforms into a handy notebook. The calendar also features dates and global public holidays, with each page containing a fast fact about the firm to promote the brand directly to users. This foldable structure also serves as a cover, eliminating the need for extra packaging and making it an immediate gift.

The production of "Techo" involved printing the inside pages on 216gsm Gilcrest Smooth Cream paper and binding them with a silver ring bind. The cover is made of carton card wrapped by 120gsm grey linen paper, with hidden magnets ensuring the calendar stands and closes properly. The folded size of the calendar is 245mm (W) x 170mm (W).

The interaction with "Techo" is intuitive. Presented in the form of a notebook, it becomes a desktop calendar when the cover is opened and folded up. The user can then close the cover and carry it around as a notebook. The content pages indicate the month and feature a fast fact about the firm, with space for note writing on the back.

The project began in August 2016 in Hong Kong and was completed in November of the same year. It was launched in Asia-Pacific regions in January 2017. The design process involved extensive research, including observations and interviews with desktop calendar users. The biggest challenge was designing the folding structure, which required accurate sizing of each panel to ensure the calendar could stand firmly and close properly.

"Techo," which means "notebook" in Japanese, perfectly encapsulates the unique properties of this calendar. Its innovative design, which allows it to function as both a desktop calendar and a handy notebook, earned it the Silver A' Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and "Techo" certainly fits the bill.