The inspiration for this design came from the rich cultural symbolism of Chinese Go and the artistry of Shigeo Fukuda, known for his mastery of positive and negative shapes. The designers also drew inspiration from the gestures of playing Go, which are reminiscent of the artistic style of Baimiao, a traditional Chinese ink and brush drawing technique associated with Buddhism.
What sets this design apart is its ability to strike a balance between traditional seriousness and a modern, youthful style that appeals to children. The visual identity system created by Seethink includes various elements such as name cards, writing paper, and teaching cards, all realized through digital printing and laser engraving techniques.
The design specifications for this project include a name card size of 50mmx90mm, writing paper measuring 210mmx297mm, and teaching cards sized at 50mmx60mm. These specifications ensure consistency and coherence throughout the branding materials.
The Go Training Institution provides a space for children to immerse themselves in the world of Go, experiencing its rich history and atmosphere. The project, which started in March 2019 in Taiyuan and was completed in July 2019, culminated in an inaugural ceremony on July 1st.
Extensive research was conducted by Seethink, including discussions and interviews with clients and designers, to ensure that the design effectively promoted Chinese culture through visual language. The challenge lay in finding the right balance between traditional elements and a modern, approachable style suitable for children.
The Go Training Institution branding design, created by Seethink, has been recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2020. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exemplify excellence in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.
With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the Go Training Institution branding design by Seethink successfully promotes Chinese culture and fosters a connection between children and the intellectual heritage of Go. It serves as a testament to the power of design in creating meaningful experiences and making the world a better place.
Project Designers: Seethink
Image Credits: Creative Director/ Zhu Ming, Designer/Du Yanting, Liu Xinyu, Li Yuning, Wang Zhuhui,Illustrator/Wu Jiang
Project Team Members: Zhu Ming
Du Yanting
Liu Xinyu
Sui Guowen
Wu Jiang
Wang Zhuhui
Qi Hao
Project Name: Go Training Institution
Project Client: Seethink