From tradition to innovation: The emergence of Colorlytix from the Frieling test.

In a world increasingly shaped by speed and efficiency, there is often little time for in-depth analysis and thorough personality studies. Yet, understanding human personality and team dynamics has never been as important as it is today. With Colorlytix, a modern, color-based personality test, we can decode the complexity of human behavior and personality traits in a new, intuitive way. The roots of this innovative tool lie in classical methods such as the Frieling Test, which have been further developed with a fresh approach and modern science to create new possibilities for teams and companies.

The Origin: From the Frieling Test to Colorlytix

The development of Colorlytix began during my studies at the International Color Academy, where I extensively studied various color psychological test procedures. The Living and Color Compass by Gerd Schilling and Inge Schilling-Steinle, as well as the Frieling Test by Dr. Heinrich Frieling and Elmar Th. Schmidt, had a particularly large influence. While the science and methods behind these tests are fascinating and profound, they were often too complex and time-consuming for practical application in larger groups. A crucial aspect of the Frieling Test, which is based on colors rather than questions, is that the procedure was originally developed as a diagnostic tool for people who are unable to respond to conventional diagnostic questions. Frieling's goal was to create an analysis tool that could also be used in psychiatry, with children, and with sick individuals who often have difficulties responding verbally or cognitively in tests. This method therefore offers a special depth and psychological precision, but it is time-consuming: Test participants choose four colors six times in a row, which are placed on a special sheet with four fields, in addition to a particularly positive and a negative color. Order, speed, and repeated colors play a central role in this process – a precise but laborious method that is ideal for therapy and diagnostics but rather impractical for quick use in coaching and team training. Together with my wife, Carmen Homann, who specializes in dream-sensitive coaching, bodywork, and femininity education, the vision emerged to develop a faster yet still well-founded personality analysis that could be flexibly used in teamwork. This is how the development of Colorlytix began.

Scientific Foundations and Further Developments

The foundation of Colorlytix is based on proven methods of color selection analysis, as found in the Frieling Test and the Color Compass. However, in order to capture the complexity of human personality more comprehensively, insights from modern behavioral psychology as well as from clinical and practical personality tests such as the Reiss Profile, DISC, and PERSOLOG were also incorporated. Our work also builds on the works of renowned color researchers such as Goethe, Newton, Heller, and Itten. This foundation makes Colorlytix a unique, scientifically based testing procedure that uses colors to make personality visible – quickly, intuitively, and without cognitive bias.

What Makes Colorlytix Unique?

Unlike traditional procedures such as the Frieling Test, which offers deeper analyses for therapeutic purposes, Colorlytix is particularly tailored for use in training and coaching contexts. Participants choose one of 13 cards showing five colors and turn them to their preferred orientation – this simple interaction quickly reveals behavioral tendencies and personality traits. The great strength of Colorlytix lies in time savings and the intuitive approach. Instead of answering questionnaires or going through elaborate color selection processes, participants choose colors – and it is precisely this selection that allows for a quick and unbiased analysis. This method minimizes cognitive biases and yet provides reliable results that can be directly utilized for team and leadership development.

Colorlytix in Practice: An Example from the Business World

The power of Colorlytix was clearly evident in one of my team trainings at a financial institution. By analyzing the personality structures of the employees, it became clear that some team members in the back office area had their strengths, while others expressed their talents and joy in direct customer contact. As a result, a new task distribution was introduced, significantly increasing the team's satisfaction and efficiency. This example illustrates how Colorlytix helps structure teams according to their individual strengths and create a more productive work environment.

Personal Development and Keynote: The Inspiring Message of Colorlytix

In my keynotes, I always emphasize the central message of Colorlytix: "Everything you need for a happy, fulfilled, and successful life is already within you – let us discover it." Under the title "Success Factor Strengths-Oriented Leadership," I show how people can live and work successfully and fulfilled by recognizing their own personality structure and values. Colorlytix shows that personality – and therefore the ability to lead – thrives not under pressure or external constraints. On the contrary: "Personality leads, success follows!" This message is an invitation to let go of old beliefs such as "diamonds are created under pressure" and instead unfold one's own natural strengths.

Why Colors Reveal So Much About Ourselves

One of the most fascinating aspects that I explain in my presentations repeatedly is the connection between color choice and personality. Colors are more than just visual stimuli; they have a direct connection to our inner selves. Dr. Heinrich Frieling already showed in his research that the colors we choose – whether for our clothing, our home, or other areas of life – allow conclusions to be drawn about our innermost character traits. In my keynotes, I invite listeners to explore these color psychological connections and understand how their color choices not only influence themselves but also others.

Call-to-Action: Become Part of the Colorlytix Movement

In today's world, we are increasingly seeking ways to unfold our full potential without acting against our own nature. Colorlytix offers exactly this approach: the realization that we function best as unique individuals when we recognize our strengths and follow them. Are you ready to take your team or yourself on a journey of self-discovery? Then I look forward to showing you and your audience in my keynote how to unfold personality and achieve success effortlessly and authentically. Let us discover together how colors can be the key to a fulfilling and successful life.