An Introductory Journey

"I'm Thomas Fraile. My life's journey is deeply rooted in exploration and learning, driven by those 'aha' moments that emerge when creative and logical thinking collide. I find joy in connecting seemingly unrelated ideas and experiences. Learning for me is a journey that not only enriches and introduces novelty to life but also consistently challenges and expands my understanding, pushing the boundaries of my knowledge in both personal and professional aspects.

Every discovery and insight is a piece of a larger puzzle. It's about seeing the big picture and understanding how individual experiences and ideas coalesce into a broader understanding. As Steve Jobs once noted, 'You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.' This insight resonates with my journey, where retrospection reveals the web of connections between varied experiences and thoughts, each encounter adding depth to life in a world governed by complexity.

The Genesis of the Colour Onion System (C.O.S)

This journey, born from a fusion of my years in design and an ever-growing curiosity that often ventured beyond my field, inspired me to develop the Colour Onion System (C.O.S). The 'Onion' in its name symbolises the layers of complexity inherent in both design and systems thinking.

Just like an onion, which appears simple on the surface but reveals multiple interconnected layers upon peeling, design too often hides its depth beneath an outward simplicity. In design, every layer, similar to those of an onion, leads to a deeper, more connected understanding. C.O.S is about exploring these layers, revealing how styles, colours, and ratios interact in ways that might not be immediately obvious but are essential to the overall structure of design. It's a journey that extends beyond colour theory, delving into the interconnectedness of design elements within a larger, dynamic system."

The Colour Onion System: A Systemic Approach to Understanding Colour

In design, colours go beyond mere aesthetic; they convey stories and shape our visual experiences. These narratives aren't standalone; they're part of a more extensive system where colours, influenced by various factors, play pivotal roles.

C.O.S brings colours, mediums, stakeholders, and designs under one umbrella, fostering a dialogue where all these elements collaborate and enrich each other. It's about understanding the 'how' and 'why' behind every design choice, diving deep into the nuances of systemic interactions.

The Colour Onion System offers a fresh approach, anchored in systems thinking and enhanced by the intuitive skills honed by designers and artists through their practice. It aims not to supplant existing knowledge; rather, it amplifies it by introducing interconnected layers. It emphasizes the importance of seeing design elements—not just as individual parts—but as a collective whole where every choice influences the bigger picture.

As an advanced technique for mastering colour, the focus is on understanding and applying principles of colour balance. The system enables capturing, quantifying, and creatively reusing or remixing effective colour patterns. By doing so, it facilitates the creation of designs that are not only visually appealing but also harmoniously balanced.

Guiding Your Journey Through the Colour Onion System Exploration

Embark on an insightful journey into the Colour Onion System with this six-part series. This guide is crafted to satisfy both the curious mind and the practical thinker, this article offers varied pathways for exploration.

For the Deep Divers (Parts 1 to 4): These sections are akin to exploring the hidden depths of an iceberg. In Parts 1 to 4, you'll delve into the theoretical backbone of C.O.S, where the principles of system thinking are intricately woven with design concepts. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the unseen forces that shape visible outcomes in design. Your journey from Part 1 will provide a comprehensive understanding, leading seamlessly into the practical applications in the later parts.

For the Pragmatists (Parts 1, 5, and 6): If you're keen on seeing theory in action, start with Part 1 for an essential introduction, then jump to Parts 5 and 6. These sections focus on applying C.O.S in real-world scenarios, ideal for those seeking immediate practical insights. While this route offers a direct approach to practical application, remember that a journey back to the theoretical roots in Parts 2 to 4 can enrich your practical applications manifold.

As you navigate through this article, keep in mind that every direction you take has its own unique benefits. Whether you start with a deep dive into the theory or jump straight into the practical side, you're in for a rewarding journey with C.O.S.