Cool Hunting

My favorite design from last year's Muji awards is the Chronotebook, a simple but effective daily planner. Rather than the standard columns, lines or grids, each page has an analog clock graphic. With time as the central structuring element, this daily planner is more flexible and helps with accomplishing tasks in a timely manner.

Beige, minimal, with rounded corners and just small enough to fit in your pocket, the Chronotebook has trademark Muji aesthetic appeal. The clock, located in the center of an open page, is divided in halves by the midline of the book—the left hand white graphic represents AM, while the dark graphic on the right is PM. Not only does the layout illustrate our circadian nature but it forces you to organize tasks according to the time of day they need to be done. Overall, it's easy to look at, simply comprehended and accomplishes a design feat by adding a small feature (a more logical way to break up your day) that has big rewards in functionality.

It's due out in Muji stores within the next couple weeks and I'm excited to pick one up. No word on price just yet, but like most everything else in their stores, it will most likely be well-priced.

Also on Cool Hunting: Muji Soho, Muji Apartment