IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

Olo (Color)

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

1️⃣ Naming & “Octarine”

“Is it too late to rename it to Octarine?” – drayfield
“+1 for the Sir Terry reference.” – ChrisMarshallNY

2️⃣ Impossible / “Chimerical” Colors

“It is possible to see something close … by saturating the S & M cones instead of avoiding them.” – kridsdale1
“I’ve always taken it to be that the color is unique to the situation/viewer — a sort of pearlescent void‑color that can’t be described in any known language, but which just Is.” – indrora

3️⃣ Skepticism of Commercial Hype

“The closest approximation to Olo‑colored paint you can buy is also made by the company that makes some of the blackest black paint. I haven’t used it personally.” – hdz
“Note that there has been controversy for the last few years around Culture Hustle not fulfilling orders and doing other sketchy things. Just a heads up.” – jhiesey

🚀 Project Ideas

Generating project ideas…

Immersive Chimerical Color Lab

Summary

  • Web app that lets users generate and view simulated impossible colors (e.g., Olo‑like hues) via browser‑based light‑stimulus controls.
  • Makes rare chimerical colors accessible without specialized lab equipment.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Researchers, artists, educators, curious hobbyists
Core Feature Interactive stimulus generator that creates wavelength‑filtered patterns to selectively activate specific cone cells and produce after‑image chimerical colors
Tech Stack React, WebGL, Canvas, CSS filters
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: Freemium subscription

Notes

  • HN commenters such as “I wonder how long it will take until this is some kind of an amusement park thing or whatever.” show appetite for playful access.
  • Reference to “Love this – references one of my favorite ever optical experiences Eclipse of Titan” indicates strong community interest.

Impossible Paint Co.

Summary

  • Online marketplace selling scientifically verified chimerical pigment formulations, including Olo approximations.
  • Gives artists a tangible way to incorporate exotic colors into physical works.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Professional painters, interior designers, experimental artists, collectors
Core Feature Verified pigment recipes, AR preview of color on surfaces, sample kits, supplier network
Tech Stack Shopify, custom REST API, Three.js for AR
Difficulty Low
Monetization Revenue-ready: Commission per sale + premium‑recipe subscription

Notes

  • Quote from “The closest approximation to Olo colored paint you can buy…” demonstrates market demand.
  • Community remark “c22: They also make the orangiest orange paint…” signals interest in precise color claims.

OloVR

Summary

  • Location‑based VR experience that uses eye‑tracking and programmable light arrays to stimulate specific cone cells and let users perceive impossible colors like Olo.
  • Converts cutting‑edge neuroscience into a shareable commercial attraction.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Tech enthusiasts, museums, schools, arcades, pop‑up venues
Core Feature Custom rig with DLP projectors, ultrasound eye‑tracker, and software that delivers precise cone‑selective flashes; integrated social sharing
Tech Stack Unity, FPGA firmware, cloud backend
Difficulty High
Monetization Revenue-ready: Ticket‑based pricing + membership tier

Notes

  • Community fascination with “I suspect many animals experience color quite differently” and “Love this – references one of my favorite ever optical experiences Eclipse of Titan” suggests strong buzz.
  • Potential for discussion: “This reads like an SCP article” indicates intrigue and novelty.

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