Toyota

Translating Climate Tech Into Visual Storytelling

Client

Toyota

Year

2023

Roles

Art Direction, Motion Design, 

UX Design

Art Direction, Motion Design, UX Design, Print Design

Tools

Figma, After Effects, Photoshop, Ceros

In collaboration with Toyota and Forbes, this premium feature set out to spotlight a new generation of climate innovators—centering on Marissa Beatty, founder of Turnover Labs and a member of the 2024 Under 30 list.

The challenge was clear: communicate highly technical climate research in a way that felt not only understandable, but compelling. The result was a visually rich, narrative-driven experience that brought together photography, motion, and data visualization to translate complexity into clarity.

Custom photoshoot

I helped plan and art direct an original photoshoot with our goal being to move beyond standard portraiture and capture a diverse set of visuals that would support the full story. Establishing a shot list helped align our collaborators—from the photographer to the video team—and ensured we captured visuals that would integrate seamlessly with the layout.

The result was a set of images that elevated the tone of the piece and reinforced the human story behind the science.

Animated Diagram

One of the central challenges was translating complex chemical processes into something intuitive and engaging. Working from Marissa’s explanations and early sketches, we developed an animated diagram that transformed abstract concepts into a clear visual narrative.

Motion played a critical role. Subtle animations added depth while reinforcing the scientific foundation of the work.

Working from Marissa’s explanations and hand-drawn sketches, we translated the science into a clear visual narrative, adding moving molecular elements that bring energy and clarity.

The result was a cohesive library of imagery that allowed the article to flow naturally from section to section while reinforcing the story.

Key Takeaways

The feature successfully translated a highly technical subject into an engaging, accessible experience. By translating scientific complexity into a visual narrative, we were able to create an experience that informed, engaged, and resonated with a broad audience.

Visual storytelling drives understanding. Motion and imagery can make abstract concepts tangible.

Visual storytelling drives understanding. Motion and imagery can make abstract concepts tangible.

Human narratives create connection. Centering the founder grounded the story and made the content more relatable.

Human narratives create connection. Centering the founder grounded the story and made the content more relatable.

Design amplifies impact. As climate innovation accelerates, the ability to communicate these ideas clearly is essential to shaping how they are understood.

Design amplifies impact. As climate innovation accelerates, the ability to communicate these ideas clearly is essential to shaping how they are understood.

21M

Impressions

50.3s

Time Spent

Collaborators

VP Design: Kristine Francisco
Content Lead: Nick CLunn
Photographer:Bernard Osei
Program Management: Brian Lee

Jenn Ramos