RCEP: A secret deal

Communicating hidden trade negotiations through information design

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was one of the world’s largest trade agreements, negotiated largely behind closed doors. This project translated a highly technical subject into a publication that campaigners, journalists and the public could understand.

A 24-page full-colour publication was designed for Friends of the Earth International, Transnational Institute, Indonesia for Global Justice, Focus on the Global South, and Paung Ku.

To reflect the deal’s hidden, complex nature, a visual communication system was created, centred on redacted text and a magnifying lens. The recurring magnifying lens guides readers through dense material, reinforcing the themes of scrutiny, transparency and investigation.

The communication system extended across print publications, digital editions and social media, ensuring a consistent visual language across every platform.

Outputs: Publication • Information graphics • Campaign graphics • Social media