Here’s the problem: intractable objects look bad, orange isn’t working.

Color alone cannot define interactability because:

• post-process heavily alters colors
• dichromatic shader makes orange/blue read unpredictably
• Interactables use different gameplay logic
• not all interactables are “inactive → active” in the same way
• color can’t communicate what type of interaction is required

Ideas:

Layer 1 - Shape Language:

At the basic level, the geometry of the object. We already have this, we just haven’t been using it. Receiving and discharging energy already has a shape language implied due to the shape of the character’s arms.

Inputs (must be charged)

Shape language = receivers / receptacles

• Cylinders, jars, battery canisters
• Open “mouths,” ports, circular recesses
• Wires leading into the object
• A “funnel” shape (wide → narrow into the machine)
• Soft → straight transition

Outputs (give power when drained)