Five primary optic devices* and one secondary optic device are proposed as the primary avenues through which an architect may attempt to produce light effect. Though a desired effect may involve multiple devices, and particular architectural artifacts may simultaneously perform as a combination of two or more devices, this part of the index categorically isolates the various devices and their intrinsic parameters in order to showcase the variety and spectrum of effect that even the simplest device can engender. Each device is described in terms of its physical characteristics before a parametrically neutral instance of the device is proposed in a cutaway axonometric rendering. The subsequent series of instances illustrate the cumulative effect of relevant parameters on the produced effect. Each instance that illustrates a variation showcases the change in effect that occurs as a result of a single, relevant parameter being adjusted. The next instance operates on the previous instance while demonstrating the effect of a different parameter. In the interest of brevity, the series does not demonstrate gradual changes that occur as a result of the alteration of a single parameter.

These subtler changes in effect are important and must be considered by the architect. Though the individual series showcase the application of parametric changes as a linear, step-by-step process, the seeking and development of an effect is rarely so straightforward. The series simply introduce a collection of parameters that have the most potential to shape and form the desired effect. The application of parameters in different orders and to different degrees is encouraged as an integral part of the process. The index briefly introduces the branching possibilities that exist when a single parameter is adjusted to its complementary extreme (or otherwise) in the form of alternate series or instances (noted as alt_).

* For the purposes of this work, an optic device includes any tectonic element or collection of elements that have been designed to interact with light. The use of the term parameter refers to the qualities of the optic device (or its elements) whose alteration will affect its operation as a light-filtering mechanism.