Dai Pai Dong Playing Cards

Angelo LEE, Angela LEE, Sam CHAN, Charlotte CHUNG

Gabangel Limited

Design brings a fresh perspective to things, such as a familiar game. Specializing in the design of playing cards, Gabangel Limited launched the Dai Pai Dong Playing Cards, in which players take turns drawing cards and completing game tasks or being penalized according to the instructions. Despite simple game rules, the design has undergone numerous changes, such as making it waterproof and thus good to use in parties.

In terms of style, local culture is emphasized through Cantonese phrases which piggyback and using Dai Pai Dong as the theme. One of the designers, Angelo LEE, pointed out that many playing cards produced abroad feature icons such as hot dogs and hamburgers, “The iconic elements make people immediately recognize where the product is from, making it unique and promoting local culture,” he said.

Grasp the Uniqueness of Hong Kong Culture

During his visits to different exhibitions, Angelo noticed that foreigners and even collectors appreciate Hong Kong’s nostalgic elements, such as traditional Chinese characters written in cursive script. “These are things that cannot be replicated by others. As long as we can master these things, the design industry in Hong Kong will be more and more appreciated,” Angelo believes.