Plate IX — Fractals

Structural intent

Demonstrate self-similarity across scales: the same geometric rule appears in smaller and larger forms within the same scene.

What must be observable

• Repeating motifs at multiple scales (large pattern echoes in smaller pattern).
• A rule that can be described without story (e.g., branching, tessellation, recursion).
• Visual continuity that lets the viewer “zoom” mentally and still see the same logic.
• At least two distinct scale levels clearly visible.

Common failure modes

• Repetition at one scale only (not multi-scale).
• Texture noise mistaken for fractal structure.
• Patterns that change rule across scales (no self-similarity).
• Overly abstract images where the scaling relationship is unverifiable.

UI / system translation (non-symbolic)

• Use for “overview → drilldown” experiences and composable systems.
• In UI: component nesting with consistent tokens and patterns at each level.
• In system terms: modular architecture where subsystems mirror system patterns.
• QA: verify at least 2 scale levels share the same motif rule.