The Oz System and the Newest Color: Olo

Anatta Blue Chankhunthod

May 2, 2025

In a constantly shifting world of art and creation, the introduction of a new color is rare and intriguing. Earlier this week, researchers at the University of California Berkeley discovered Olo, the newest color, through a laser-based system revolving around vision called Oz. In an article by UC Berkeley, Olo is described as a “blue-green of unparalleled saturation”. 

Excited by the discovery of the new color, designers are already investigating different ways to utilize the blue-green hue in their works. Due to its immense saturation, designers see Olo as a possible statement color, which refers to colors that stand out and draw attention to a design or outfit. They envision Olo being used on a multitude of different objects and designs, such as powder rooms, upholstery, such as velvet chairs, and as a statement wall color in home offices and libraries. Furthermore, due to its coastal nature, designers also say that Olo can serve as a complementary color in coastal palettes, as well as alongside warm metallic colors. Overall, the introduction of Olo brings new and revolutionary options to the table for both home and fashion design.

The eye, which houses all the mechanisms for vision, is a complex organ. Located in the retina, the eye has three cones: Short-wavelength (S) cones, which are sensitive to blue light, Medium-wavelength (M) cones, which are sensitive to green light, and Long-wavelength (L) cones, which are sensitive to red light. Normal vision typically activates all three cones, allowing the human eye to see the entire visible light spectrum. However, the Oz system singles out the M Cones and only stimulates them, causing a blue-green hue to be seen. In a more detailed explanation, the Oz system first creates a detailed digital map of the subject's cone distribution in their retina, which identifies where the S, M, and L cones are. Then, as stated before, the Oz system delivers microdoses of stimuli via precise lasers to individual cones, allowing for specific combinations. Through these specific combinations, Oz can trick the eye into seeing a wide range of unseen colors, such as the color Olo. Essentially, Oz works by manipulating the signals the eyes send to the brain, which tricks it into displaying unique and revolutionary colors. 

However, the Oz system is not only useful for showing the world new interesting colors. The research team behind the Oz system plans to use Oz for the greater good, having already found techniques to analyze and study vision loss and eye diseases. 

The Oz system, alongside the new color Olo, set the precedent for future technological innovations, which will hopefully lead to the improvement of the quality of human life.