PROJECT



Dead Drop

This innovative zine project was designed to offer commuters intriguing readings on WW1 and WW2 era espionage, distributed through “dead drops” strategically placed around the city. The zines were accessible at various locations such as bus stops, benches, and other high-traffic public areas, representing a unique experiment in interactive physical media.



Publication
Typography
Marketing

CASE STUDY



RYAN KUO

SAN JOSÉ, CR — 




This innovative zine project brought the intrigue of WW1 and WW2 espionage to the streets. Designed for commuters and the general public, the zine introduced readers to the fascinating world of spycraft through short, engaging biographies of three female spies. The zines were distributed via “dead drops” strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as bus stops, benches, libraries, waiting rooms, and classrooms. This experiment in interactive physical media sought to merge education with an element of surprise, sparking curiosity and encouraging engagement with the hidden stories of wartime espionage.

The primary goal was to create an analog experience that made espionage history accessible, exciting, and interactive for everyday individuals. By employing real-world spy techniques like dead drops, the project aimed to evoke a sense of mystery and discovery while reviving interest in spy paraphernalia.

Key challenges included:

  • Ensuring the zine’s design and content stood out enough to capture attention in public spaces.
  • Strategically placing the zines in locations where people would notice, pick them up, and engage with them.
  • Balancing historical accuracy with simplicity, ensuring the material was accessible and engaging for casual readers.


The research phase focused on the espionage tactics of WW1 and WW2, a period of significant innovation in military and spycraft techniques. Cipher systems and coded messages were among the most iconic analog tools of the time, but for the purpose of accessibility, the project instead drew inspiration from the rudimentary yet effective “dead drop” technique. This method involved spies leaving packages in predetermined locations for others to retrieve, indirectly yet securely.

This approach became the foundation of the project, reimagining dead drops as a playful way to distribute informational zines in unexpected places. Research also included studying the lives of female spies from the World Wars, ensuring the content highlighted their pivotal contributions to politics and warfare.

A mood board was created to develop a cohesive aesthetic for the zine, inspired by the noir-like atmosphere of spy films and detective stories. Key design elements included:

  • A case file-inspired look, blending B&W and sepia tones with pops of color for emphasis.
  • Highlighter textures to draw attention to key information, adding a sense of urgency and discovery.
  • Typewriter-style typography paired with bold Swiss fonts to evoke the era’s official documents and coded messages.

These elements worked together to create an engaging, mysterious feel while remaining visually accessible to a wide audience.


The design process involved the following steps:

  • Content Development: Research was distilled into concise, compelling biographies of three female agents from the World Wars.
  • Prototyping: Early sketches and drafts explored the layout and organization of the zine, ensuring readability and visual appeal.
  • Visual Assets: Custom textures and type treatments were created to emulate a vintage case file, reinforcing the spy narrative.
  • Testing Placement: Prototype zines were tested in potential dead-drop locations to evaluate visibility and interest.

The final zine was a 24-page publication printed on biodegradable material to emphasize sustainability. It combined historical storytelling with bold, engaging design, highlighting the lives of three female spies and their remarkable contributions to wartime efforts.
 The zines were distributed across various public spaces, including bus stops, libraries, classrooms, and waiting rooms, carefully placed to maximize visibility and engagement.

The project successfully brought a playful yet educational experience to commuters and the public. By turning everyday spaces into opportunities for discovery, it encouraged a deeper appreciation for history and spycraft. Focus groups and anecdotal feedback suggested that readers found the zines intriguing and engaging, with many expressing excitement about the concept of dead drops as a distribution method.

The project achieved its goal of making history accessible, fostering curiosity, and reviving the allure of analog media in a digital age.




IRON GODDESS