Description:

‘Mysterious Dr Dannevill’ is a digital storytelling site that brings a dramatic character from New Zealand's queer history to the present. This project reimagines Julie Glamuzina’s book ‘Spies and Lies: The Mysterious Dr Dannevill’ and various historical resources into a digital site prototype designed for an 18-25-year-old audience.
Following in the lines of ‘Entertainment-Education’ that originated in soap operas, Hjelmar Dannevill’s story of scandal, sexuality, spycraft and tragedy is an example of the dramatised non-fiction that has become the backbone of historical storytelling for the average young New Zealander. By valuing both accessibility and accuracy, it serves as a window into the past.
The design storytelling reflects the project’s nature as an adaptation of history. It draws from two distinct lineages: the historic printing techniques and formal editorial design of the 19th-century newspapers that first told Dannevill’s story – and the rough Xerox collages of 21st-century queer underground zines. These contrasting influences are remixed into brash contemporary web design that speaks directly to its new modern audience.
The web's unique capability for interaction and animation invites the audience to participate in Dannevill’s world on a deeper level. Interactive elements – such as reconstructing separated images, revealing hidden texts, or customising nonconformist clothing – encourage users to actively participate in the storytelling. Reflecting the state of Dannevill’s story as misunderstood and fragmented, yet very much present.
User testing with the target demographic of 18–25-year-olds was integral to the design process. Their feedback informed everything from tone and pacing to the experimental interface and concise copywriting. Importantly, this was achieved without diluting the historical complexity of the material.
This project captures a snapshot of Aotearoa queer history for this new generation. Glamuzina’s text and history’s depiction of Hjelmar are cast in a new light, successfully balancing accessibility without sacrificing accuracy. In doing so, a piece of queer history is kept warm and alive. A reminder for modern New Zealanders of where they came from and who they are today.