Zhenru Lian

Biography

Hello everyone, my name is Zhenru Lian, and I am from Taizhou, Zhejiang. My passion for photography and painting has always been a significant part of my life, and these creative pursuits greatly influenced my decision to pursue a career in design. Photography allows me to capture and express unique perspectives, while painting helps me explore color, composition, and visual storytelling in a more hands-on, artistic way. Both hobbies have shaped my aesthetic sensibilities and deepened my understanding of how to communicate visually, which directly translates into my design work.

During my three years at Waikato University, I had the opportunity to build on this foundation by learning how to apply design theory to real-world projects. I developed key skills in user experience design and visual communication, becoming proficient in Adobe software and video editing tools. Through collaborative projects and mentorship, I was able to refine my design thinking and problem-solving abilities, which have laid a solid foundation for my future in the design field.

Project Description

This project aims to raise awareness of climate change’s impact on penguins and green sea turtles, focusing on how environmental changes affect their reproduction and habitats. Targeted at children aged 10-13, it uses visual storytelling and data-driven infographics to simplify complex scientific concepts and make them engaging for young audiences.

As part of a team-based project, I was responsible for designing the infographics, while my team members created the animations. The four infographics I designed illustrate the original habitats of penguins and sea turtles, the melting of sea ice, and the impact of climate change on their reproduction, providing detailed explanations of how rising temperatures disrupt their breeding processes. Additionally, I emphasized the broader environmental impacts of climate change and highlighted the urgency of environmental conservation.

The project presents these critical issues in a visually engaging and interactive format, encouraging children to take an active role in environmental protection. The aim is to cultivate a sense of responsibility toward wildlife and inspire positive environmental actions from an early age. By combining illustrations, data, narratives, and animations, the project provides an accessible entry point for understanding the broader impact of climate change on Earth's ecosystems.

Climate Guardians