# I am pretty damn happy with how my obsiand looks. we have worked on it together in the past. you... ## Retrieval Notes - Session id: `a62ec360-05f1-4cb7-8f59-b33aa1bb974a` - Last activity: `2026-02-21T21:05:05.480Z` ## My Notes <!-- Add your notes here. This section is preserved across syncs. --> ## Conversation ### User I am pretty damn happy with how my obsiand looks. we have worked on it together in the past. you helped me a lot with css and other stuff and plugins etc. I use claudian, indeed we are talking on it and i think my colour scheme looks damn good on the chat interface as well. however, it would be good to show visually (i odon't have the right design language but cev what i am getting at). what would be some ways of subtly doing it. i am not wedded to keeping my colour scheme at all costs but i am interested ideas that keep it as well. for each make sure that you explain your analysis, justification, reasons etc etc. for your answer BEFORE giving me your final answer. Please give me a long, deep, and detailed answer, with lots of options/ideas: as we are in the 'kicking ideas around' stage, I want as much feedback as you can give me so that i have a lot to consider. ### Assistant You've hit your limit · resets 9pm (Europe/Rome) ### User ? ### Assistant Alright, so Nick is asking about ways to show his Obsidian setup visually... but I'm immediately uncertain about what exactly he means by "show visually." Let me think through what this could mean... He says he's happy with how Obsidian looks, likes the colour scheme, it works well in Claudian's chat interface... so this isn't about redesigning the interface itself. He's talking about showing it to others? Or documenting it? Or... wait, he says "i odon't have the right design language but cev what i am getting at" - so he's struggling to articulate exactly what he wants. That's interesting. Let me parse this more carefully. "it would be good to show visually" - show WHAT visually? His colour scheme? His setup? The fact that he's happy with it? Hmm, maybe he means he wants to showcase his Obsidian setup somehow? Like, demonstrate it? Document it? Create some kind of visual artifact that captures what he's achieved? Or wait... could "show visually" mean making the visual aspects MORE visible? Like, enhancing the visual hierarchy or making certain elements more prominent? But that doesn't quite fit with "subtly doing it"... Let me re-read: "it would be good to show visually (i odon't have the right design language but cev what i am getting at). what would be some ways of subtly doing it." Okay, so he wants to "show" something "visually" and do it "subtly." And he's interested in ideas that keep his colour scheme but isn't wedded to it. I think there are several possible interpretations here: 1. He wants to showcase/document his Obsidian setup visually (screenshots, video, etc.) 2. He wants to make the visual design elements in his Obsidian more prominent/noticeable 3. He wants to add subtle visual enhancements that complement his existing colour scheme 4. He wants to communicate something about his work visually within Obsidian itself Actually, wait. The fact that he mentions "we have worked on it together in the past" and talks about CSS and plugins suggests he's thinking about the interface itself, not documentation. And "subtle" suggests refinement, not radical change. So maybe the question is: how can he subtly enhance the visual experience of his Obsidian vault in ways that either: - Make the existing colour scheme more effective - Add visual interest without disrupting the current aesthetic - Better communicate structure/hierarchy/relationships visually Let me think about what "subtly doing it" could mean in the context of Obsidian customization... Subtle visual enhancements could include: - Typography refinements (font pairing, sizing, spacing) - Micro-interactions (hover effects, transitions) - Visual hierarchy cues (subtle borders, backgrounds, shadows) - Spatial organization (spacing, alignment, grouping) - Iconography (custom icons, folder icons) - Visual feedback (selection states, focus indicators) - Contextual styling (different note types having subtle visual differences) But wait, I should actually look at what he currently has. Do I have access to his CSS? His current theme settings? Without seeing his actual setup, I'm working in the dark here... Actually, I don't think I need to see his exact CSS to give him thoughtful options. He's asking for ideas at the "kicking ideas around" stage, so he wants breadth of possibilities to consider, not a specific prescription. Let me think about different dimensions of visual enhancement: **Dimension 1: Typography** This is often the most impactful subtle change. Font choices, line height, letter spacing, font weights, font sizes... these can all dramatically affect readability and aesthetic without being "loud" changes. **Dimension 2: Spacing and rhythm** Vertical rhythm, margins, padding, line height... creating a consistent spatial system makes everything feel more cohesive. **Dimension 3: Colour application** Even keeping his colour scheme, there are questions about WHERE and HOW colours are applied. Backgrounds vs text? Accents? Borders? Shadows? **Dimension 4: Visual hierarchy** How do you know what's important? What draws the eye? Headings, emphasis, links, metadata... **Dimension 5: Animation and transitions** Subtle motion can make an interface feel more alive and responsive. **Dimension 6: Iconography and symbols** Custom icons, emoji, folder icons, status indicators... **Dimension 7: Layout and composition** Sidebar width, panel arrangements, how things are organized spatially... **Dimension 8: Contextual styling** Different types of notes/content having slightly different visual treatments... Now, let me think about specific ideas within each dimension that would be "subtle" but effective... Wait, I'm also wondering if "show visually" might mean something about GRAPH VIEW or CANVAS or some kind of visual representation of his vault structure? Like, he wants to create visual artifacts that show off his system? Hmm, but that doesn't quite fit with "what would be some ways of subtly doing it"... Let me assume the most likely interpretation: he wants ideas for subtle visual enhancements to his Obsidian interface that work with (or replace) his current colour scheme. Actually, you know what, I should consider that "show visually" might be about making his WORK more visible. Like, his research, his thinking, his notes... making that visual in some way. Visual thinking tools, diagrams, canvases... But again, "subtle" seems to point toward interface refinement rather than adding new visual thinking modalities. Okay, let me just generate a rich set of options across multiple interpretations and let Nick tell me which direction resonates... **Approach 1: Typography refinement** The idea here is that typography is the interface of text, and since Obsidian is primarily text-based, getting typography right has huge impact. Changes can be subtle but make everything feel more polished. What would this involve? - Font pairing (different fonts for UI vs content, or headings vs body) - Type scale (systematic font sizes) - Line height and spacing - Font weights for hierarchy - Letter spacing for different contexts Why is this powerful? Because typography affects every single note, every interaction. It's literally what you're looking at 100% of the time. Small improvements compound massively. **Approach 2: Colour theory application** Even keeping his current colour scheme, there are sophisticated ways to apply colour that create visual interest and hierarchy. What would this involve? - Tints and shades of existing colours for variation - Colour temperature (warm vs cool) for different contexts - Saturation levels for different importance - Opacity/transparency for layering - Colour coding for note types or metadata Why is this powerful? Colour is one of the fastest-processing visual attributes. Strategic colour use guides attention and creates emotional resonance. **Approach 3: Spatial rhythm** Creating a consistent spatial system makes everything feel intentional and designed. What would this involve? - Baseline grid - Consistent spacing scale (8px, 16px, 24px, etc.) - Vertical rhythm - Margins and padding rules - Alignment systems Why is this powerful? When spacing is systematic, things feel organized and calm. Random spacing creates visual noise. **Approach 4: Subtle animations** Motion can make an interface feel responsive and alive without being distracting. What would this involve? - Smooth transitions on hover - Fade-ins for panels - Smooth scrolling - Micro-interactions (checkbox animations, etc.) Why is this powerful? Animation provides feedback and makes the interface feel polished and modern. **Approach 5: Visual hierarchy through borders/shadows** Creating depth and separation through subtle borders, dividers, and shadows. What would this involve? - Subtle borders around panels - Drop shadows for elevation - Divider lines between sections - Card-style elements Why is this powerful? Helps organize information spatially and creates visual structure. **Approach 6: Custom iconography** Icons and symbols can make navigation and organization more intuitive. What would this involve? - Folder icons - Custom emoji for note types - Status indicators - Plugins for icon integration Why is this powerful? Visual symbols are processed faster than text and can make the vault more navigable. **Approach 7: Contextual styling for note types** Different types of notes get subtly different visual treatments. What would this involve? - Daily notes look slightly different from research notes - Session notes have different styling - Literature notes vs permanent notes - Using CSS snippets that target metadata Why is this powerful? Creates visual wayfinding - you immediately know what kind of note you're in. **Approach 8: Graph view customization** Making the graph view more aesthetically pleasing and informative. What would this involve? - Custom node colours - Link styling - Tag-based colouring - Graph filters Why is this powerful? The graph is a unique visual representation of knowledge structure. **Approach 9: Canvas templates** Creating visual thinking spaces with pre-designed canvas templates. What would this involve? - Templates for different thinking modes - Visual frameworks for research - Diagrammatic reasoning templates Why is this powerful? Adds a visual dimension to thinking that complements text-based notes. **Approach 10: Header and metadata styling** Making frontmatter and metadata visually distinct and attractive. What would this involve? - Styled property displays - Custom metadata rendering - Tag styling - Header embellishments Why is this powerful? Metadata is important structural information - making it visually clear helps orientation. Wait, I'm generating ideas, but I haven't really thought deeply about what "subtle" means in this context... Subtle could mean: - Not attention-grabbing - Noticeable only on close inspection - Refined rather than bold - Works with existing design rather than fighting it - Enhances without dominating So loud would be: bright contrasting colours, large bold elements, heavy animations, dramatic shadows Subtle would be: tonal variations, gentle transitions, minimal borders, soft shadows, nuanced typography Let me think about each idea through this lens... Typography: Can be VERY subtle (just adjusting letter spacing) or more noticeable (changing font families). Generally subtle when done well. Colour application: Depends entirely on execution. Tints/shades/opacity = subtle. New contrasting colours = not subtle. Spatial rhythm: Extremely subtle - most people won't consciously notice it but will feel that something is "right." Animations: Can be subtle (200ms fade) or obnoxious (bouncing spinning elements). Borders/shadows: Very subtle when done with light grays and small sizes. Icons: Can be subtle (small folder icons) or bold (large emoji everywhere). Contextual styling: Subtle by nature - small variations rather than dramatic differences. Graph customization: Can go either way - depends on approach. Canvas: This is more about adding functionality than subtle styling. Metadata styling: Can be very subtle or quite prominent. Okay, now let me think about which of these would be EASIEST to implement and have good ROI... Typography is high ROI but requires good taste and testing. You can mess it up. Spatial rhythm is high ROI and hard to mess up if you follow basic principles. Subtle animations are medium ROI and require CSS knowledge. Borders/shadows are medium ROI and easy to implement. Icons are variable ROI and require plugin knowledge. Contextual styling is high ROI if Nick has clear note types but requires CSS. Graph customization is low ROI unless he uses graph view a lot. Canvas is orthogonal to the question. Metadata styling is medium ROI and requires either plugins or CSS. Now, what about maintaining his colour scheme? He says he's not wedded to it but is interested in keeping it... Options that definitely keep the colour scheme: - Typography (colour-agnostic) - Spatial rhythm (colour-agnostic) - Animations (colour-agnostic) - Borders/shadows using existing colours - Contextual styling using existing colours Options that might introduce new colours: - Colour theory application (by definition) - Icons (unless monochrome) - Graph customization (could use existing colours) Hmm, I should also think about COMBINATIONS of these approaches... A sophisticated approach might combine: 1. Typography refinement (better fonts, sizes, spacing) 2. Spatial rhythm (consistent spacing system) 3. Subtle shadows (for depth) 4. Gentle animations (for responsiveness) 5. Contextual styling (for different note types) All using his existing colour palette. Actually, wait. I should think about what makes a colour scheme "work" in the first place... A good colour scheme has: - Sufficient contrast for readability - Visual harmony (colours that work together) - Emotional resonance (creates a mood) - Functional clarity (different elements are distinguishable) Ways to enhance a colour scheme without changing it: - Use tints/shades/tones of existing colours - Apply colours more strategically (where they have most impact) - Adjust saturation for different contexts - Use colour temperature for hierarchy - Introduce opacity/layering Actually, let me think about this differently. What are the GOALS of visual design in a knowledge management system like Obsidian? 1. Readability (can you easily read text?) 2. Navigability (can you find what you're looking for?) 3. Focus (does the interface help or hinder concentration?) 4. Aesthetic pleasure (is it nice to look at?) 5. Information hierarchy (can you tell what's important?) 6. Consistency (does it feel like a coherent system?) Different enhancement approaches serve different goals: Typography → Readability, Aesthetic pleasure Colour → Information hierarchy, Aesthetic pleasure, Navigability Spacing → Readability, Focus, Aesthetic pleasure Animation → Navigability, Aesthetic pleasure Borders/shadows → Information hierarchy, Navigability Icons → Navigability, Information hierarchy Contextual styling → Navigability, Information hierarchy Graph → Navigability (sort of) Metadata styling → Information hierarchy If I had to prioritize for "subtle but effective," I'd say: 1. Typography (massive impact, subtle when done right) 2. Spatial rhythm (foundation for everything else) 3. Subtle colour application (using existing palette better) 4. Borders/shadows (creates structure) 5. Contextual styling (makes note types clear) These five working together would create a very polished, professional feel while remaining subtle. But wait, I'm also realizing I should think about OBSIDIAN-SPECIFIC considerations... Obsidian has: - Live preview mode - Source mode - Reading mode - Graph view - Canvas - Multiple panes - Sidebars - Command palette - File explorer - Search - Tags pane - Backlinks - Outline - Properties Each of these could be styled differently. A comprehensive approach would think about all of these interfaces... Actually, that's a good point. "Showing visually" could also mean making these different modes more visually distinct from each other. So you immediately know "I'm in reading mode" vs "I'm in edit mode" just from the visual feel. That would be a form of contextual styling at the MODE level rather than just the note type level. Interesting... Okay, I think I also need to consider what plugins Nick might be using that offer visual customization: - Style Settings (for customizing themes with GUI) - Iconize (for folder icons) - Colorful Tag (for coloured tags) - Minimal Theme Settings (if using Minimal theme) - Various graph plugins - Banner plugins - etc. The plugin ecosystem affects what's possible... Also, I should think about whether Nick wants: A) CSS snippets (requires manual CSS) B) Theme customization (using existing theme with tweaks) C) New theme (switching themes entirely) D) Plugin-based solutions (easier but less flexible) For "subtle," I'd lean toward A or B over C. Switching themes is rarely subtle. Let me also consider the PROCESS of implementing these ideas... Some require: - CSS knowledge - Understanding of Obsidian's CSS structure - Testing and iteration - Potentially using developer tools Others require: - Installing plugins - Configuring settings - Less technical knowledge Nick has worked with CSS before (he mentioned we helped with CSS), so he's probably comfortable with CSS snippets. Alright, let me think about SPECIFIC concrete ideas now... **IDEA 1: Typography System** - Choose a beautiful serif for headings (like Crimson Pro or Source Serif) - Choose a readable sans for body (like Inter or iA Writer Quattro) - Set up a proper type scale (16px base, 1.25 ratio) - Adjust line height (1.6-1.8 for body text) - Fine-tune letter spacing (slightly looser for headings) **IDEA 2: Tonal Colour Variations** - Take his current accent colour - Create 5 shades (very light to very dark) - Use lightest for backgrounds - Use medium for borders - Use darkest for text/emphasis - Keep his original colour but add sophistication **IDEA 3: Spatial Grid System** - Define spacing units (4px base, multiples of 4) - Set consistent margins (24px) - Set consistent padding (16px) - Align everything to baseline grid - Creates visual calm **IDEA 4: Elevation System** - No shadow: flat elements - Small shadow: slightly elevated (cards) - Medium shadow: floating panels - Large shadow: modals - All shadows very subtle (low opacity, small blur) **IDEA 5: Hover States** - Links gently brighten on hover - Panels subtly lift on hover - Smooth 200ms transitions - Creates responsive feeling **IDEA 6: Note Type Indicators** - Daily notes have subtle blue-gray background - Research notes have slight warm background - Session notes have subtle border-left accent - Uses tints of existing colours **IDEA 7: Metadata Styling** - Frontmatter in subtle monospace font - Tags with rounded backgrounds (low opacity) - Properties displayed as subtle key-value pairs - Creates visual distinction from content **IDEA 8: Reading Mode Distinction** - Reading mode has slightly wider margins - Different font size - Subtle paper-like background - Feels like a different "mode" **IDEA 9: Folder Icon System** - Custom icons for main folders - Monochrome to match theme - Uses Iconize plugin - Creates visual navigation **IDEA 10: Link Styling Hierarchy** - Internal links one colour - External links another (from palette) - Unresolved links different style (dashed underline?) - Creates immediate visual feedback **IDEA 11: Callout Customization** - Subtle background colours (very low saturation) - Thin left border in accent colour - Custom icons per callout type - Typography slightly different **IDEA 12: Graph View Palette** - Nodes coloured by type/tag using existing palette - Links with subtle opacity gradient - Background matches vault theme - Filters to show different views Hmm, but I'm not actually explaining my reasoning for each of these BEFORE presenting them, which is what Nick asked for... Let me restructure. For each idea, I should: 1. Explain the analysis 2. Justify why it works 3. Explain the reasoning 4. THEN present the specific idea This is going to be long, but that's what he wants... Let me start over with this structure: **OPTION 1: TYPOGRAPHIC REFINEMENT** *Analysis:* Typography is the primary interface in a text-based knowledge system. You're looking at text 99% of the time you're in Obsidian. Even small improvements in typography compound enormously because they affect every single interaction. The challenge is that typography is subtle - most people can't articulate what makes typography "good," they just feel it. *Justification:* This is "subtle" by nature because good typography doesn't call attention to itself - it just makes reading more pleasant. It works with any colour scheme because typography is primarily about shapes, spacing, and hierarchy rather than colour. The ROI is massive because it affects everything while requiring relatively little CSS. *Reasoning:* When typography is done well, you get: better readability (less eye strain, faster comprehension), improved visual hierarchy (you can tell what's important), aesthetic pleasure (it just looks refined), and professional polish (feels designed rather than default). *Specific ideas:* - Font pairing: Use a serif for headings (warmth, traditional scholarly feel) and sans-serif for body (clarity, modern feel) - Type scale: systematic sizing (base 16px, scale by 1.25 → 16, 20, 25, 31, 39, 49px) - Line height: 1.6-1.8 for body text (readability), 1.2-1.3 for headings (tightness) - Letter spacing: slightly negative for headings (-0.01em), slightly positive for all-caps (+0.05em) - Font weights: use different weights for hierarchy (regular, medium, semibold) - Monospace for code: choose a beautiful mono font like JetBrains Mono or Fira Code **OPTION 2: REFINED COLOUR APPLICATION (KEEPING EXISTING PALETTE)** *Analysis:* Nick has a colour scheme he likes. The question isn't necessarily what colours, but WHERE and HOW they're applied. Colour theory gives us tools: tints (add white), shades (add black), tones (add gray), opacity, saturation, temperature. This means you can create a whole spectrum of subtle variations from a single base colour. *Justification:* This is subtle because you're not introducing jarring new colours - you're creating nuanced variations of what's already there. It maintains visual cohesion while adding sophistication. The existing palette becomes more flexible and powerful. *Reasoning:* Strategic colour application does several things: creates information hierarchy (brighter = more important), establishes spatial relationships (background vs foreground), provides visual feedback (hover states, selection), and guides attention (accent colours draw the eye). *Specific ideas:* - Take his accent colour and generate a scale: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% opacity - Use lowest opacity for subtle backgrounds (highlights, selected items) - Use medium opacity for borders and dividers - Use full opacity for interactive elements and emphasis - Create warm and cool versions of neutral colors (warm grays vs cool grays) - Use warmer tones for active/primary elements - Use cooler tones for secondary/inactive elements - Apply saturation hierarchy: most saturated for accents, desaturated for backgrounds - This creates visual "pop" where you want attention **OPTION 3: SPATIAL RHYTHM AND GRID SYSTEM** *Analysis:* Random spacing creates visual noise. Your eye has to constantly recalibrate. A systematic approach to spacing - using multiples of a base unit - creates harmony. This is one of the foundations of professional design but almost invisible when done well. *Justification:* Extremely subtle - most users won't consciously notice systematic spacing, but they'll feel that something is "right" and organized. It's foundational work that makes everything else more effective. Colour-agnostic, so works with any palette. *Reasoning:* Consistent spacing creates visual rhythm. Your eye learns the pattern and navigates more easily. It also makes the interface feel intentional and designed rather than arbitrary. White space becomes functional - it groups related items and separates distinct items. *Specific ideas:* - Choose a base unit (4px or 8px common) - All spacing is multiples of this unit - Margins: 24px (6 units) between major sections - Padding: 16px (4 units) within elements - Line height: 24px (6 units) for body text (on 4px baseline) - Vertical rhythm: all elements snap to baseline grid - This means headings, paragraphs, images all align to invisible grid - Creates unconscious harmony **OPTION 4: SUBTLE ELEVATION SYSTEM (SHADOWS & DEPTH)** *Analysis:* Flat design is clean but can lack hierarchy. Subtle shadows create the illusion of elevation - some elements "float" above others. This helps organize information spatially without heavy borders or backgrounds. *Justification:* When done subtly (small blur, low opacity, neutral color), shadows are barely perceptible but create clear spatial organization. This is very current in interface design but has to be restrained to stay subtle. *Reasoning:* Elevation hierarchy helps users understand information architecture. Base layer (canvas), slightly raised (cards/notes), floating (panels/sidebars), elevated (modals/popovers). Each level has slightly more shadow. This creates an intuitive z-axis. *Specific ideas:* - Level 0 (flat): no shadow - background elements - Level 1 (raised): `box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.06)` - cards, notes - Level 2 (floating): `box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)` - sidebars, panels - Level 3 (elevated): `box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.12)` - modals, command palette - Use his existing colour scheme for shadow colour (not just black) - Shadows can be the darkest shade of his accent colour at very low opacity - This maintains colour harmony **OPTION 5: MICRO-INTERACTIONS AND TRANSITIONS** *Analysis:* Interfaces without animation feel static and unresponsive. Subtle animation provides feedback that your actions are registered. But timing is critical - too slow feels sluggish, too fast feels jarring, too much feels gimmicky. *Justification:* Subtle animations (200-300ms, easing functions) are barely noticeable but make the interface feel polished and responsive. They guide attention to changes and make the system feel alive. *Reasoning:* Animation serves functional purposes: confirms interaction (button press feedback), directs attention (panel opens, content fades in), maintains context (smooth transitions prevent disorientation), and creates delight (polish and refinement). *Specific ideas:* - Hover transitions: `transition: all 200ms ease-out` on links, buttons - Links slightly brighten on hover - Panels fade in when opening: `opacity: 0 → 1` over 250ms - Smooth scrolling: `scroll-behavior: smooth` - Active state animations: buttons slightly depress when clicked - Modal overlays fade in with backdrop blur - All timing 150-300ms (fast enough to feel responsive, slow enough to perceive) - Use easing functions (ease-out for opening, ease-in for closing) **OPTION 6: CONTEXTUAL STYLING FOR NOTE TYPES** *Analysis:* Different types of notes serve different functions. Daily notes are temporal scratch pads. Session notes are conversational logs. Research notes are knowledge artifacts. Visual distinction helps with wayfinding - you immediately know what kind of space you're in. *Justification:* This is subtle when done with light touches - slight background tint, thin border accent, small font variation. Not dramatic redesigns per type, just subtle cues. Very functional because it provides immediate context. *Reasoning:* Context awareness reduces cognitive load. When visual environment matches content type, you don't have to consciously identify "what kind of note is this" - you just know. This lets you engage with content more directly. *Specific ideas:* - Daily notes: subtle cool background (very light blue-gray), sans-serif font, slightly more compact - Session notes: thin left border in accent colour, timestamps in monospace - Research notes: warmer background (very light cream), serif headers, generous spacing - Writing drafts: centered layout, larger font, ample margins (manuscript feel) - Use CSS targeting frontmatter tags or folders - All variations subtle - 2-5% background tint, small font adjustments - Maintains coherent feel while providing distinction **OPTION 7: ENHANCED METADATA AND FRONTMATTER STYLING** *Analysis:* Frontmatter and metadata are structural information - they're about the note rather than in the note. Visual distinction helps separate meta from content. But metadata can be ugly if not styled thoughtfully. *Justification:* Subtle styling (different font, background, spacing) makes metadata clearly distinct but not intrusive. Improves scanability - you can quickly see metadata without it dominating the note. *Reasoning:* Clear metadata display helps with: quick note identification (see tags/dates at glance), maintaining metadata (easier to edit when well displayed), understanding structure (how note fits in system), and aesthetic cohesion (metadata doesn't break visual flow). *Specific ideas:* - Frontmatter block: subtle background (5% opacity of accent), monospace font, compact spacing - Inline properties: key in muted colour, value in normal colour, subtle divider - Tags: rounded background (very subtle), slight padding, hover brightens - Dates: monospace, muted colour, small size - Links in metadata: different style than content links - Properties pane: clean two-column layout, subtle dividers - Option: hide frontmatter by default, show on hover (keeps notes clean) - Use Properties plugin or CSS to customize display **OPTION 8: MODE-BASED VISUAL DISTINCTION** *Analysis:* Obsidian has different modes (reading mode, live preview, source mode). Each serves different purposes. Visual distinction between modes helps you immediately know "what mode am I in" without checking. *Justification:* Subtle because it's not about redesigning modes, just adding small environmental cues. Very functional - prevents mode confusion. Makes mode-switching feel like moving to different spaces. *Reasoning:* Different modes have different needs. Reading mode should feel like a finished document - wider margins, larger font, reading focus. Edit mode should feel like a workspace - more compact, utilities visible, action-oriented. Source mode should feel technical - monospace, literal, unambiguous. *Specific ideas:* - Reading mode: wider max-width (700px), larger font (+1-2px), paper-like background (very subtle cream), hide UI chrome - Live preview mode: standard layout, balanced editing/reading - Source mode: monospace throughout, higher contrast, compact spacing, syntax highlighting enhanced - Each mode has subtle background tint difference (reading: warm, editing: neutral, source: cool) - Mode indicator: subtle label or colour accent showing current mode - Transitions between modes smooth (200ms fade) **OPTION 9: CUSTOM ICONOGRAPHY SYSTEM** *Analysis:* Icons and symbols are processed pre-attentively - faster than reading text. Custom icons for folders, note types, or functions improve navigation speed and add visual interest. *Justification:* Can be very subtle (small monochrome icons) or more prominent (coloured custom icons). Either way, improves wayfinding without requiring reading. Makes vault feel more organized and intentional. *Reasoning:* Visual symbols create faster navigation (recognize folder by icon not name), clearer categorization (different note types have different icons), aesthetic coherence (chosen icon set matches overall design), and personality (custom icons make vault feel unique). *Specific ideas:* - Use Iconize plugin for folder icons - Choose icon set that matches aesthetic (Lucide, Feather, Hero Icons - all clean and minimal) - Monochrome icons matching colour scheme (subtle) - Or selective colour (folders by topic have different colours from palette) - Custom icons for note types via emoji or icon plugins - Daily notes: 📅 - Session notes: 💬 - Research notes: 📚 - Reference: 📄 - Idea: 💡 - File explorer icons consistent with graph node icons - Creates visual continuity across interface **OPTION 10: LINK STYLING HIERARCHY** *Analysis:* Not all links are equal. Internal links (to other notes) vs external links (to web). Resolved links (note exists) vs unresolved (note doesn't exist yet). Different link types serve different functions and should be visually distinct. *Justification:* Subtle colour/style variations make link types immediately scannable. You know what kind of link before clicking. Functional and aesthetic - creates visual rhythm in text while providing information. *Reasoning:* Clear link differentiation improves navigation (know what clicking will do), supports knowledge building (unresolved links are potential notes), maintains focus (external links clearly marked as leaving vault), and creates visual texture (different link styles create rhythm in text). *Specific ideas:* - Internal links (resolved): accent colour, no underline, slight boldness - Internal links (unresolved): accent colour at 60% opacity, dashed underline, italic - External links: different colour from palette, underline, external icon on hover - Hover states: all links brighten slightly, smooth transition - Wikilinks vs markdown links: different visual weight - Alias links: subtle indicator that it's an alias (hover shows target) - Block/heading links: monospace or different colour - All variations within existing colour palette - Creates rich link ecology while maintaining cohesion **OPTION 11: CALLOUT AND BLOCK CUSTOMIZATION** *Analysis:* Callouts (> [!note], > [!warning], etc.) are semantic containers - they mean something different than body text. Good callout styling makes them immediately recognizable while not overpowering content. *Justification:* Subtle background tints, thin border accents, custom icons - all reinforce semantic meaning visually. Improves scanability and comprehension. Can be very subtle or more prominent depending on preferences. *Reasoning:* Effective callout styling: reinforces semantic meaning (warning looks different than note), maintains readability (background doesn't fight text), creates visual variety (breaks up long text), and supports different information types (each callout type optimized for its purpose). *Specific ideas:* - Subtle background colours (3-5% opacity of semantic colour) - Thin left border (4px) in semantic colour at higher opacity - Custom icons per type (note, tip, warning, danger, etc.) - Typography slightly different - smaller font, different weight, or tighter spacing - Rounded corners (subtle, 4px border-radius) - Title bar in semantic colour (slightly stronger than background) - Collapsible callouts with smooth animation - Use existing colour palette for semantic colours: - Note: neutral - Tip: green tint of accent - Warning: warm tint of accent - Danger: saturated warm - Maintains colour harmony while creating distinction **OPTION 12: GRAPH VIEW CUSTOMIZATION** *Analysis:* Graph view is a unique visual representation of knowledge structure. Default graphs are often cluttered and hard to read. Custom styling can make graph both more beautiful and more informative. *Justification:* This is optional since not everyone uses graph view heavily, but if you do, custom styling makes it much more useful. Can be very subtle (tonal variations) or more expressive (colour-coded by topic). *Reasoning:* Effective graph styling: reveals structure (what's connected to what), shows categories (nodes coloured by type/tag), maintains readability (clear against background), and creates aesthetic pleasure (graph as data visualization art). *Specific ideas:* - Nodes coloured by tag/type using existing palette - Hub notes (many connections) larger and more prominent - Orphan notes (no connections) smaller and more muted - Links with opacity based on connection strength - Background matches vault theme (continuity) - Filter buttons to show different subgraphs (by tag, by folder) - Animated force-directed layout (subtle motion) - Hover highlights connected notes - Click to focus on neighborhood - Export beautiful graphs for sharing/printing Okay, I think I have a good range of options here. Let me think if there are any other major categories I'm missing... What about: - Table styling - Code block customization - Image/media presentation - PDF annotation styling - Plugin-specific customizations - Mobile-specific considerations - Dark mode vs light mode variations These are all valid but might be getting into diminishing returns. Nick asked for lots of options, and I have 12 substantial ones. Let me see if there are any really important ones I missed... **OPTION 13: ENHANCED TABLE STYLING** *Analysis:* Default tables in markdown are functional but plain. If Nick uses tables for data, research matrices, or comparison, better table styling improves readability and aesthetic. *Justification:* Subtle table improvements (alternate row colors, border refinements, better spacing) make tables more scannable without being loud. Particularly important if tables are used frequently. *Reasoning:* Good table design: improves scanability (easier to track rows), creates visual organization (headers distinct from data), maintains readability (spacing prevents cramping), and looks professional (refined rather than default). *Specific ideas:* - Zebra striping: alternate rows with very subtle background (2-3% opacity) - Header row: slight background, bold text, bottom border - Cell padding: generous (12px vertical, 16px horizontal) - Borders: subtle (1px, low opacity) or remove vertical borders entirely - Hover row: slight background color on hover - Align numbers right, text left - Monospace for numeric data - Responsive tables: scroll horizontal on narrow screens **OPTION 14: CODE BLOCK AND SYNTAX HIGHLIGHTING** *Analysis:* If Nick includes code in notes (CSS, JavaScript, scripts), syntax highlighting and code block styling matters. Good code presentation improves readability and maintains aesthetic. *Justification:* Subtle syntax highlighting (not garish), nice code font, and clean block styling makes code blend with overall design while remaining readable. *Reasoning:* Effective code styling: maintains readability (clear syntax distinction), matches aesthetic (highlighting colours from palette), professional appearance (looks designed), and functional clarity (code vs prose clearly distinct). *Specific ideas:* - Beautiful monospace font (JetBrains Mono, Fira Code with ligatures) - Subtle background for code blocks (different from page background) - Syntax highlighting using colours from existing palette - Line numbers optional (subtle if used) - Copy button on hover - Language indicator label - Inline code: subtle background, monospace, slightly smaller - Block code: generous padding, clear separation from text Alright, I think I have plenty of options now. Let me also think about IMPLEMENTATION approaches... Nick could: 1. Start with one option and perfect it 2. Combine multiple options into coherent system 3. Experiment with each to see what resonates 4. Hire/commission a designer to implement 5. Use existing theme with tweaks 6. Build from scratch I should probably also mention some existing Obsidian themes that exemplify different approaches, so Nick can see examples... Popular refined themes: - Minimal: clean, typography-focused, subtle - Things: Apple-inspired, polished, attention to detail - Blue Topaz: colorful but sophisticated - Prism: beautiful syntax highlighting - California Coast: warm, readable, nice spacing These could be inspiration or starting points... Also, I should mention that some of these ideas require: - CSS knowledge (snippets) - Plugin installation - Theme customization - Testing and iteration Nick has CSS experience, so that's accessible. One more thing - I should think about the ORDER of implementation if doing multiple... Logical sequence: 1. Typography (foundation - affects everything) 2. Spatial rhythm (foundation - creates structure) 3. Colour application (builds on structure) 4. Shadows/elevation (adds depth to structure) 5. Animations (polish) 6. Contextual styling (specific refinements) 7. Icons/metadata (details) This way each layer builds on the previous... Okay, I think I'm ready to write my final answer. Let me structure it: 1. First, clarify what I think he's asking 2. Present the options with full analysis/justification/reasoning 3. Discuss combinations and implementation 4. Provide examples and resources 5. Suggest next steps This should give Nick a comprehensive set of ideas to consider... I think you're asking about subtle ways to enhance the visual design of your Obsidian vault - making it even more polished and visually effective while keeping (or working with) your existing colour scheme. Let me give you a comprehensive set of options with detailed reasoning for each. ## Core Enhancement Approaches ### 1. TYPOGRAPHIC REFINEMENT **Analysis:** Typography is your primary interface - you're looking at text 99% of the time in Obsidian. Even small typographic improvements compound enormously because they affect every single interaction. Most people can't articulate what makes typography "good," but they feel it immediately. **Why this works:** Good typography is inherently subtle - it doesn't call attention to itself, it just makes reading more pleasant and comprehension easier. It's colour-agnostic (works with any palette), affects everything (universal impact), and requires relatively minimal CSS for massive ROI. **What you get:** Better readability (less eye strain, faster comprehension), improved visual hierarchy (immediately know what's important), aesthetic pleasure (refined feel), and professional polish (intentional design rather than defaults). **Specific techniques:** - **Font pairing:** Serif for headings (scholarly warmth, traditional feel) + sans-serif for body (modern clarity) - **Type scale:** Systematic sizing using mathematical ratios (e.g., 16px base × 1.25 ratio = 16, 20, 25, 31, 39, 49px) - **Line height:** 1.6-1.8 for body (comfortable reading), 1.2-1.3 for headings (visual tightness) - **Letter spacing:** Slightly negative for headings (-0.01em for density), slightly positive for all-caps (+0.05em for clarity) - **Weight hierarchy:** Different weights for different functions (regular body, medium subheads, semibold headings) - **Beautiful monospace:** JetBrains Mono or Fira Code for code/metadata ### 2. REFINED COLOUR APPLICATION (KEEPING YOUR PALETTE) **Analysis:** You have colours you like - the question isn't *what* colours but *where* and *how* they're applied. Colour theory gives us tools: tints (add white), shades (add black), tones (add gray), opacity, saturation, temperature. One base colour becomes a sophisticated spectrum. **Why this works:** You're not introducing jarring new colours - you're creating nuanced variations of what's already there. Maintains visual cohesion while adding layers of sophistication. Your existing palette becomes more flexible and powerful. **What you get:** Information hierarchy (brighter = important), spatial relationships (background vs foreground), visual feedback (hover, selection states), and attention guidance (strategic accent placement). **Specific techniques:** - **Opacity scale:** Take your accent colour, create 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% versions - Lightest: subtle backgrounds (highlights, selections) - Medium: borders, dividers - Full: interactive elements, emphasis - **Temperature variations:** Warm vs cool versions of neutrals - Warm grays: active/primary elements - Cool grays: secondary/inactive elements - **Saturation hierarchy:** Most saturated for accents, desaturated for backgrounds - **Layering:** Semi-transparent overlays create depth while maintaining colour harmony ### 3. SPATIAL RHYTHM AND GRID SYSTEM **Analysis:** Random spacing creates visual noise - your eye constantly recalibrates. Systematic spacing using multiples of a base unit creates harmony. This is foundational professional design but nearly invisible when done well. **Why this works:** Extremely subtle - users won't consciously notice systematic spacing, they just feel that everything is "right" and organized. It's foundational work that makes everything else more effective. Completely colour-agnostic. **What you get:** Visual rhythm (eye learns pattern, navigates easier), intentional feel (designed rather than arbitrary), functional white space (groups related items, separates distinct items), unconscious harmony. **Specific techniques:** - **Base unit:** 4px or 8px (all spacing is multiples) - **Margins:** 24px between major sections - **Padding:** 16px within elements - **Line height:** 24px for body text (snaps to grid) - **Vertical rhythm:** All elements align to invisible baseline grid - Headings, paragraphs, images all align - Creates unconscious coherence ### 4. SUBTLE ELEVATION SYSTEM (SHADOWS & DEPTH) **Analysis:** Flat design is clean but can lack hierarchy. Subtle shadows create elevation illusion - some elements "float" above others. This organizes information spatially without heavy borders or backgrounds. **Why this works:** Small blur, low opacity, neutral shadows are barely perceptible but create clear spatial organization. Very current in interface design but must be restrained to stay subtle. **What you get:** Z-axis hierarchy (users intuitively understand information layers), spatial organization without heavy visual elements, modern polish, clear distinction between interface levels. **Specific techniques:** - **Level 0 (flat):** No shadow - background, canvas - **Level 1 (raised):** `box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.06)` - cards, notes - **Level 2 (floating):** `box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)` - sidebars, panels - **Level 3 (elevated):** `box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.12)` - modals, command palette - **Colour harmony:** Use darkest shade of your accent colour at very low opacity instead of just black ### 5. MICRO-INTERACTIONS AND TRANSITIONS **Analysis:** Interfaces without animation feel static and unresponsive. Subtle animation provides feedback that actions are registered. But timing is critical - too slow feels sluggish, too fast feels jarring, too much feels gimmicky. **Why this works:** 200-300ms transitions with proper easing are barely noticeable but make the interface feel polished and alive. They guide attention to changes and confirm interactions. **What you get:** Interaction confirmation (feedback for actions), attention direction (where changes occur), context maintenance (smooth transitions prevent disorientation), delightful polish. **Specific techniques:** - **Hover transitions:** `transition: all 200ms ease-out` on links, buttons - **Fade-ins:** Panels appear with `opacity: 0 → 1` over 250ms - **Smooth scrolling:** `scroll-behavior: smooth` - **Active states:** Buttons slightly depress on click - **Timing:** 150-300ms (fast enough for responsiveness, slow enough to perceive) - **Easing:** ease-out for opening, ease-in for closing ### 6. CONTEXTUAL STYLING FOR NOTE TYPES **Analysis:** Different note types serve different functions. Daily notes (temporal scratch pad) vs session notes (conversation logs) vs research notes (knowledge artifacts). Visual distinction provides immediate wayfinding. **Why this works:** Subtle touches - slight background tint, thin border accent, small font variation - provide context awareness without dramatic redesigns. Very functional because you immediately know what space you're in. **What you get:** Reduced cognitive load (don't have to consciously identify note type), context-appropriate engagement (visual environment matches content purpose), faster orientation. **Specific techniques:** - **Daily notes:** Subtle cool background (very light blue-gray), sans-serif, compact spacing - **Session notes:** Thin left border in accent colour, monospace timestamps - **Research notes:** Warmer background (very light cream), serif headers, generous spacing - **Writing drafts:** Centered layout, larger font, ample margins (manuscript feel) - **Implementation:** CSS targeting frontmatter tags or folder paths - **Subtlety:** 2-5% background tints, minor font adjustments ### 7. ENHANCED METADATA AND FRONTMATTER STYLING **Analysis:** Frontmatter and metadata are structural information - they're *about* the note rather than *in* the note. Visual distinction separates meta from content, but poorly styled metadata breaks aesthetic flow. **Why this works:** Subtle styling (different font, background, spacing) makes metadata clearly distinct but not intrusive. Improves scannability - quick metadata reading without it dominating the note. **What you get:** Quick note identification (tags/dates at glance), easier metadata maintenance (visible, editable), structural understanding (how note fits in system), aesthetic cohesion (metadata doesn't break visual flow). **Specific techniques:** - **Frontmatter block:** Subtle background (5% opacity), monospace font, compact spacing - **Inline properties:** Muted key colour, normal value colour, subtle dividers - **Tags:** Rounded background (very subtle), slight padding, hover brightens - **Dates:** Monospace, muted colour, smaller size - **Advanced:** Hide frontmatter by default, show on hover (clean notes) ### 8. MODE-BASED VISUAL DISTINCTION **Analysis:** Obsidian has different modes (reading, live preview, source) serving different purposes. Visual distinction helps immediate mode awareness without checking. **Why this works:** Not redesigning modes, just adding subtle environmental cues. Very functional - prevents mode confusion. Mode-switching feels like moving to different purposeful spaces. **What you get:** Immediate context awareness, purpose-matched environments, smoother mode transitions, reduced cognitive overhead. **Specific techniques:** - **Reading mode:** Wider max-width (700px), larger font (+2px), paper-like background (subtle cream), minimal UI chrome - **Live preview:** Standard layout, balanced editing/reading - **Source mode:** Monospace throughout, higher contrast, compact spacing, enhanced syntax highlighting - **Background tints:** Reading (warm), editing (neutral), source (cool) - **Transitions:** 200ms fade between modes ### 9. CUSTOM ICONOGRAPHY SYSTEM **Analysis:** Icons are processed pre-attentively (faster than reading text). Custom icons for folders, note types, or functions improve navigation speed and add visual personality. **Why this works:** Can be very subtle (small monochrome) or more prominent (selective colour). Either way improves wayfinding without requiring reading. Makes vault feel organized and intentional. **What you get:** Faster navigation (recognize by icon not name), clearer categorization (note types have distinct icons), aesthetic coherence (icon set matches overall design), unique personality. **Specific techniques:** - **Plugin:** Iconize for folder icons - **Icon sets:** Lucide, Feather, Hero Icons (clean, minimal) - **Approach 1 (subtle):** Monochrome matching colour scheme - **Approach 2 (expressive):** Selective colour (folders by topic use palette colours) - **Note type icons:** Daily notes 📅, Sessions 💬, Research 📚, Ideas 💡 - **Continuity:** Match file explorer icons with graph node icons ### 10. LINK STYLING HIERARCHY **Analysis:** Not all links are equal. Internal (to notes) vs external (to web). Resolved (note exists) vs unresolved (note doesn't exist yet). Different link types should be visually distinct. **Why this works:** Subtle colour/style variations make link types immediately scannable - you know what kind of link before clicking. Functional and aesthetic - creates visual rhythm while providing information. **What you get:** Better navigation (know what clicking will do), knowledge building support (unresolved links are potential notes), maintained focus (external links clearly marked), visual texture in text. **Specific techniques:** - **Internal resolved:** Accent colour, no underline, slight boldness - **Internal unresolved:** Accent 60% opacity, dashed underline, italic - **External:** Different palette colour, underline, external icon on hover - **Hover states:** All links brighten slightly, smooth transition - **Block/heading links:** Monospace or different colour - **All within existing palette** ### 11. CALLOUT AND BLOCK CUSTOMIZATION **Analysis:** Callouts (> [!note], > [!warning], etc.) are semantic containers with different meanings than body text. Good callout styling makes them immediately recognizable without overpowering content. **Why this works:** Subtle background tints, thin border accents, custom icons reinforce semantic meaning visually. Improves scannability and comprehension. **What you get:** Reinforced semantic meaning (warning looks different than note), maintained readability (background doesn't fight text), visual variety (breaks up long text), optimized information presentation. **Specific techniques:** - **Background:** 3-5% opacity of semantic colour - **Left border:** 4px in semantic colour at higher opacity - **Custom icons:** Different per type (note, tip, warning, danger) - **Typography:** Slightly smaller or different weight - **Rounded corners:** Subtle 4px radius - **Semantic colours from palette:** - Note: neutral - Tip: green tint of accent - Warning: warm tint - Danger: saturated warm ### 12. GRAPH VIEW CUSTOMIZATION **Analysis:** Graph view is unique visual knowledge structure representation. Default graphs are often cluttered and hard to read. Custom styling makes graph both beautiful and informative. **Why this works:** Optional (not everyone uses graph heavily), but if you do, custom styling makes it much more useful. Can be very subtle (tonal) or more expressive (topic colour-coding). **What you get:** Revealed structure (connection patterns), visible categories (nodes by type/tag), maintained readability (clear against background), aesthetic pleasure (data visualization art). **Specific techniques:** - **Nodes:** Colour by tag/type using existing palette - **Size:** Hub notes (many connections) larger, orphans smaller/muted - **Links:** Opacity based on connection strength - **Background:** Matches vault theme (continuity) - **Filters:** Buttons to show different subgraphs - **Interaction:** Hover highlights connected notes ### 13. ENHANCED TABLE STYLING **Analysis:** Default markdown tables are functional but plain. If you use tables for data, research matrices, or comparisons, better styling improves readability significantly. **Why this works:** Subtle improvements (alternate row colours, border refinements, better spacing) make tables more scannable without being loud. **What you get:** Improved scannability (easier row tracking), visual organization (headers distinct from data), maintained readability (spacing prevents cramping), professional appearance. **Specific techniques:** - **Zebra striping:** Alternate rows with 2-3% opacity background - **Header row:** Slight background, bold text, bottom border - **Cell padding:** Generous (12px vertical, 16px horizontal) - **Borders:** Subtle (1px low opacity) or remove vertical borders - **Hover:** Slight background on row hover - **Alignment:** Numbers right, text left - **Numeric data:** Monospace ### 14. CODE BLOCK AND SYNTAX HIGHLIGHTING **Analysis:** If you include code in notes (CSS, JavaScript, scripts), syntax highlighting and code block styling matters for readability and aesthetic cohesion. **Why this works:** Subtle syntax highlighting (not garish), beautiful code font, clean block styling makes code blend with overall design while remaining readable. **What you get:** Maintained readability (clear syntax distinction), aesthetic match (highlighting from palette), professional appearance, functional clarity (code vs prose distinct). **Specific techniques:** - **Font:** JetBrains Mono, Fira Code (with ligatures) - **Background:** Subtle differentiation from page background - **Syntax colours:** Derived from existing palette - **Features:** Copy button on hover, language label - **Inline code:** Subtle background, monospace, slightly smaller - **Block code:** Generous padding, clear separation ## Strategic Combinations The most powerful approach combines multiple techniques into a coherent system: **Foundation (do first):** 1. Typography refinement (affects everything) 2. Spatial rhythm (creates structure) **Building on foundation:** 3. Refined colour application (depth within palette) 4. Subtle elevation (adds dimension) 5. Micro-interactions (polish) **Specific refinements:** 6. Contextual styling (note types) 7. Enhanced metadata (structural clarity) 8. Link hierarchy (navigation support) This sequence ensures each layer builds logically on previous work. ## Implementation Approaches **Option A: Theme + Tweaks** - Start with a refined existing theme (Minimal, Things, California Coast) - Add CSS snippets for specific customizations - Fastest path to polish **Option B: CSS Snippets from Scratch** - Keep current theme - Add targeted snippets for each enhancement - More control, requires CSS knowledge (which you have) **Option C: Systematic Build** - Build complete custom theme - Most control, most work - Consider if you want it as a project **Tools you'll need:** - Style Settings plugin (GUI for theme variables) - Iconize plugin (if using custom icons) - CSS snippets folder (`.obsidian/snippets/`) - Developer tools (inspect elements, test changes) ## Examples to Study **Minimal Theme:** Typography-focused, subtle, clean - exemplifies approaches 1, 2, 3 **Things Theme:** Apple-inspired polish, attention to detail - exemplifies 4, 5, 6 **Blue Topaz:** Colourful but sophisticated - exemplifies 2, 9, 12 **Prism Theme:** Beautiful syntax highlighting - exemplifies 14 Browse these in community themes to see different philosophies in action. ## Next Steps **If you want to experiment:** 1. Pick ONE approach that resonates 2. Implement minimal version 3. Live with it for a few days 4. Refine based on experience 5. Add another layer **If you want comprehensive improvement:** 1. Start with typography + spacing (foundation) 2. Add colour refinement 3. Add elevation + animations 4. Add specific customizations (metadata, links, etc.) 5. Test, refine, iterate **If you want to see options:** 1. I can show you CSS examples for any of these 2. We can mock up combinations 3. We can find example themes that demonstrate specific approaches Which direction feels most interesting? Or are there specific techniques from this list you want to explore deeper? *La bellezza nasce dall'attenzione ai dettagli che gli occhi non vedono consciamente ma che l'anima percepisce come armonia.*