The evolution of Chinese character Wei from a pictograph to its modern form is depicted through animation in Chinese Character Origin Cards. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nearly 1,000 users on the platform supported the project, which combines AR and etymology.

"I ordered one for my first-grade nephew who's learning hanzi basics; I'm sure these AR cards will add fun to his learning," a supporter commented.

"The concept is so cool! I ordered one despite the fact that I'm in my 30s," commented another user.

Because of the joint project with Shiwangme, Sears won the Jinling Friendship Award, a biennial award set up by the Nanjing municipal government to recognize foreign experts' contributions to local economic and social development, on June 22.

However, Zhang and Sears won't rest on their laurels.

"It's only the first batch of cards. We will roll out two more. A total of 324 hanzi will be included to help hanzi learners lay a solid foundation," Zhang told China Daily Website. His team will put out the cards in more languages so that both Chinese and international Chinese learners can benefit from their creation. The English version will hit the market soon.