The Moment: A Calendar That Encourages Living in the Now

Xiutao Fu's Award-Winning Design Marries Ancient Wisdom with Modern Minimalism

The Moment stands out from other calendars due to its unique representation of dates. The month is printed in the center of each page, with each date displayed on a gradient arc that rotates clockwise around it. As the pages are made from translucent tracing paper, the dates and arcs fade away as time passes, symbolizing the fleeting nature of the present and the impending loss of time. This poetic illustration of time is further enhanced by the inclusion of the Chinese 24 Solar Terms and daily mottos, which serve to strengthen the concept and remind users to appreciate each moment.

Creating The Moment required high-level printing and manufacturing technologies, with strict control over temperature and humidity throughout the printing process. Multiple rounds of color testing were carried out to ensure accuracy, and the folding and binding processes were meticulously executed to ensure paper alignment. The result is a calendar that not only looks beautiful but also provides a smooth user experience, with an easily torn line on each page symbolizing the passing of time.

Despite its modern, minimalist design, The Moment is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom. The Chinese 24 Solar Terms, which guide farm work and daily life according to seasonal changes, serve as a reminder that everything has its own time and should be done at the appropriate moment. This concept is reinforced by the daily mottos, which were selected from great classics around the world, including the Bible.

Designing The Moment was not without its challenges. Xiutao Fu had to find a way to present ancient wisdom about time in a contemporary style, without overwhelming the user with information. After six months of testing and comparing dozens of types of paper, he finally chose parchment for its transparency and producibility. The printing process had to be dry to prevent the paper from changing shape due to high humidity.

The Moment has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advance art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. With its unique representation of time and its reminder to enjoy each moment, The Moment is certainly deserving of this accolade.