On the classic SPAM luncheon meat can, there is a burger made with a slice of SPAM. However on the localized Japanese version of the package, it is a luncheon meat sushi. This is an example of branding for culture, where the designer acknowledges the different food consumption habit, that in Asia SPAM is more often served with rice than burger buns. However this SPAM sushi package is only available in Japan, perhaps because the company figured that the Japanese market is more sensitive in cultural difference and would be more receptive to special localized branding? I lived in Hong [...]
Category Archives: Culture
SPAM Japanese Package – Luncheon Meat Sushi
On the classic SPAM luncheon meat can, there is a burger made with a slice of SPAM. However on the localized Japanese version of the package, it is a luncheon meat sushi. This is an example of branding for culture, where the designer acknowledges the different food consumption habit, that in Asia SPAM is more often served with rice than burger buns. However this SPAM sushi package is only available in Japan, perhaps because the company figured that the Japanese market is more sensitive in cultural difference and would be more receptive to special localized branding? I lived in Hong [...]
Season Colour – I Think Spring is Green
![[2] Spring is green to me](http://www.calvin-c.com/media/2010/07/IMG_8568-150x150.jpg "[1] Spring is green to me")
If I pick a colour to represent Spring, the colour would be Light Green because it reminds me of sprouting grass and trees [1]. But interestingly when asking some Japanese friends for a colour of Spring, they all choose Pink because it is the colour of the cherry blossom (桜咲き) [2]. This is a good example of how people from different countries would perceive different meanings on abstract concepts, such as the association between colour and season. However, when I tried to find related data and research on the Internet, there are not too much of them except from the fashion [...]
Book Reading Lady in Train
Here is a sketch of a lady who is reading a book in a train. Some observations: Use of book cover is very common in Japan. Possible reasons: privacy and protection. Hand covering the handbag on the laps. Dress is neatly tucked under legs. Sitting posture is perfectly straight. Regarding book cover: Choices of material: traditional Japanese fabric, Japanese paper (和紙), leather, plastic and more. Just like iPhone case and phone strap, a book cover is an avenue of expressing personality and sense of fashion. Colour, pattern, handcrafted vs. mass produced, material are all important factors. Functionality: other than protecting [...]
Munich Newsstand and Honor System
Newsstand in Munich demonstrates the cultural assumption that everybody is fundamentally honest and obedient to the social system. In a society that is based on trust and discipline, artifact design would be very different from those that are based on skepticism, cynicism, and the trust-no-one mentality.
My name is Calvin Chun-yu Chan, also known as カルビー or Jeepu. I'm a web app developer by trade, with curious and enthusiastic eyes on design, usability, culture and creativity.
Animated Construction Worker Sign Directs Traffic