Cool Stuff

Pinna’s Overlapping Illusion

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Pinna Overlapping Illusion

The Pinna Overlapping Illusion is really a set of concentric circles, but the illusion makes it appear that the circles overlap.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pinna Overlapping Illusion, scroll down to read more about it.

Pinna Overlapping Illusion
Pinna Overlapping Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Pinna’s Overlapping Illusion?

Pinna’s Overlapping Illusion involves concentric circles that appear to overlap but don’t actually overlap. The illusion is created by interlocking pairs of black and white wavy lines, which are arranged to form a circular pattern of alternating black and white rings. Although the rings appear to overlap in some areas, they actually do not. Instead, the illusion is created by the way the lines are interlocked and how the alternating black and white rings interact with each other.

The perception of motion and swirling patterns in the Pinna’s overlapping illusion is thought to arise from the way the visual system processes information about contrast, luminance, and motion. The illusion also seems to involve the brain’s ability to fill in missing information, and to make assumptions about the shape and arrangement of objects in the visual field.

Overall, the Pinna’s operlapping illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving complex patterns and motion in static images, and it highlights the complex nature of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Pinna’s Overlapping Illusion Work?

The Pinna’s overlapping illusion is created by the interaction between pairs of interlocking black and white wavy lines, which are arranged to form a circular pattern of alternating black and white rings. The illusion occurs because the visual system processes the black and white lines differently, causing them to appear to shift and move as the viewer looks at the image.

One important factor in the illusion is the way that the wavy lines are interlocked. The lines are designed so that they fit together perfectly, with each black line interlocking with a white line, and vice versa. This creates the appearance of concentric circles that overlap and shift as the viewer looks at the image.

Another important factor in the illusion is the way that the alternating black and white rings interact with each other. When viewed up close, the individual rings appear to be distinct and separate. However, as the viewer steps back from the image, the rings begin to blend together, creating the appearance of a swirling, rotating pattern.

The precise mechanisms that underlie the Pinna’s overlapping illusion are not fully understood, but they are thought to involve the way that the visual system processes information about contrast, luminance, and motion. Specifically, the illusion may be related to the way that the brain processes information about edges and boundaries, and how it makes assumptions about the shape and arrangement of objects in the visual field.

Overall, the Pinna’s overlapping illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving complex patterns and motion in static images, and it highlights the complex nature of visual perception and cognition.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many visual illusions that are similar to Pinna’s overlapping illusion in that they create the perception of movement, swirling patterns, or overlapping shapes. Here are a few examples:

  1. Fraser Spiral Illusion: This illusion consists of a series of concentric circles that appear to be swirling, even though they are actually static.
  2. Hermann Grid Illusion: This illusion involves a grid of black squares on a white background. In the areas where the grid lines intersect, gray dots appear to appear and disappear, creating the perception of movement.
  3. Mach Bands Illusion: This illusion occurs when a series of gradually changing shades of gray are arranged in alternating light and dark bands. The bands appear to be darker on one side and lighter on the other, even though they are actually the same shade.
  4. Cafe Wall Illusion: This illusion involves a grid of alternating black and white rectangles. The rectangles appear to be tilted, even though they are actually parallel to each other.
  5. Rotating Snakes Illusion: This illusion consists of a series of interlocking wavy lines arranged in a circular pattern. The lines appear to be rotating or swirling, even though the image is actually static.

These illusions, like Pinna’s overlapping illusion, are fascinating examples of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving movement and complex patterns in static images. They also highlight the complex nature of visual perception and cognition.

Discovery of the Pinna’s Overlapping Illusion

Pinna’s overlapping illusion was discovered by Italian psychologists Marco Bertamini and Paolo Livio in 2001. The illusion is named after the Italian psychologist Gianfranco Pinna, who developed a related illusion called the Pinna-Brelstaff figure. Bertamini and Livio’s study, which was published in the journal Perception, demonstrated how the illusion can be created using pairs of interlocking wavy lines arranged in a circular pattern. Since its discovery, the Pinna’s overlapping illusion has become a popular example of a perceptual illusion, and it has been studied extensively by researchers interested in the mechanisms of visual perception and cognition.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Rotating Squares Illusion

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Rotating Squares Illusion

This Rotating Squares Illusion is a visual phenomenon that creates the perception of rotation in a stationary image. In this illusion, a set of stationary squares appears to move or rotate, even though the image is 100% static.

If you are interested in learning more about the Rotating Squares Illusion, scroll down to read about all about it.

Rotating Squares Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Rotating Squares Illusion?

The rotating squares illusion is a visual phenomenon that creates the perception of motion in a static image. In this illusion, a series of squares appear to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though the image is not actually moving.

The rotating squares illusion is created by the way the squares in the image are arranged. The shapes are arranged in a way that creates an illusory sense of motion as the viewer’s gaze moves across the image. The illusion is often enhanced by the use of bright colors or high contrast, which can further exaggerate the perceived motion.

The rotating squares illusion is a variant of the rotating snakes illusion which was first created by the Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003. Since then, it has become a popular subject for scientific research on visual perception, as well as a source of inspiration for artists and designers interested in exploring the relationship between visual stimuli and perception.

The illusion is thought to be caused by the way the neurons in the visual system respond to certain types of visual stimuli. The neurons that respond to color, brightness, and orientation are particularly important in creating the illusion of motion in the rotating squares image.

Overall, the rotating squares illusion is an example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion in static images, and it is similar to other illusions that create the perception of motion, such as the peripheral drift illusion and the motion aftereffect.

How does the Rotating Squares Illusion Work?

The exact mechanisms behind the rotating squares illusion are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors that affect the way the visual system processes the image.

One factor is the way the squares in the image are arranged. The shapes are often arranged in a way that creates a sense of motion and flow, which can be further enhanced by the use of bright colors or high contrast.

Another factor is the way the visual system processes information about motion. The illusion is thought to rely on the brain’s ability to detect motion in certain directions, such as clockwise or counterclockwise. The neurons in the visual system that respond to motion can become fatigued if they are exposed to a stimulus for a prolonged period, which can create an aftereffect where the viewer perceives motion in the opposite direction.

In the case of the rotating squares illusion, it is believed that the combination of the arrangement of the shapes and the motion-sensitive neurons in the visual system create the illusion of rotation, even though the image is actually static. The exact neural mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon are still the subject of ongoing research.

Overall, the rotating squares illusion is an example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion in static images, and it highlights the complex ways in which visual stimuli are processed by the visual system.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several visual illusions that are similar to the rotating squares illusion in that they create the perception of motion in a static image. Here are some examples:

  1. The spinning dancer illusion: This illusion depicts a silhouette of a dancer that appears to be spinning either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the viewer’s perception. The illusion is created by the way the silhouette is presented, with certain visual cues creating the perception of motion.
  2. The waterfall illusion: This illusion creates the perception of motion in a stationary image of a waterfall. When viewed for a prolonged period, the image can create the sensation of motion in the opposite direction of the actual flow of the waterfall.
  3. The motion aftereffect: This illusion occurs when prolonged exposure to a moving stimulus creates the perception of motion in the opposite direction when viewing a stationary image. This illusion is similar to the rotating snakes illusion in that it relies on the way the visual system processes information about motion.
  4. The peripheral drift illusion: This illusion creates the perception of motion in a static image by using a pattern of concentric circles or spirals that appear to rotate around a central point. The illusion is created by the way the pattern is arranged and the way the visual system processes information about motion.
  5. Rotating snakes illusion: A peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.

Overall, these illusions demonstrate how the visual system can be tricked into perceiving motion in static images, and they highlight the complexity of visual processing in the brain.

Discovery of the Rotating Squares Illusion

The Rotating Squares Illusion is a variant of the rotating snakes illusion which was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a professor of psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. Kitaoka is known for creating a variety of visual illusions that exploit the way the visual system processes information about color, brightness, and motion.

The rotating snakes illusion, which Kitaoka created in 2003, has become one of his most popular works and has been studied extensively by researchers interested in visual perception and the neuroscience of vision.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Cool Peripheral Drift Illusion

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peripheral drift illusion

This Cool Peripheral Drift Illusion is a 100% static image. It only appears to move due to an illusion called Peripheral Drift Illusion.

If you are interested to learn more about these types of Illusions, scroll down past the image to read all about it.

peripheral drift illusion


Table of Contents

What is a Peripheral Drift Illusion?

The peripheral drift illusion is a visual illusion that occurs when stationary patterns of high contrast, such as black and white stripes or grids, appear to drift or move in a particular direction when viewed in the peripheral vision. This illusion is believed to be caused by the way the brain processes visual information from the retina.

The illusion is thought to be related to the way the neurons in the visual system respond to certain types of visual stimuli. When viewing a pattern of high contrast, the neurons in the retina and visual cortex respond by firing in a particular way that creates the illusion of movement. This can cause the pattern to appear to be in motion, even though it is actually stationary.

This illusion is often used in scientific studies to investigate the mechanisms of visual perception and to explore how the brain processes visual information. It is also a popular subject for optical art and other forms of visual art, as it can create striking and unusual visual effects.

How do Peripheral Drift Illusions Work?

The peripheral drift illusion is a visual phenomenon that occurs when stationary patterns of high contrast appear to move or drift in a particular direction when viewed in the peripheral vision. This illusion is thought to be caused by the way the neurons in the visual system respond to certain types of visual stimuli.

When viewing a stationary pattern of high contrast, such as black and white stripes or grids, the neurons in the retina and visual cortex respond by firing in a way that creates the illusion of movement. These neurons are sensitive to changes in contrast and edge orientation, and when these properties are presented in a particular way, they can create the perception of motion.

One theory suggests that the peripheral drift illusion is caused by the interactions between neurons in the visual cortex that respond to different orientations of edges in the visual field. When the orientation of the edges in the pattern changes, these neurons fire in a way that creates the perception of movement.

Another theory suggests that the illusion is caused by the way the brain processes information from the retina. The retina sends signals to the brain that are influenced by the movement of the eye. When the eye is moving, these signals are suppressed, which can create the perception of stationary objects appearing to move in the opposite direction.

Overall, the exact mechanisms behind the these illusions are not fully understood, but it is clear that it is related to the way the neurons in the visual system respond to certain types of visual stimuli.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the peripheral drift illusion. These include:

  1. Motion aftereffect: This illusion occurs when you stare at a moving pattern for a period of time, and then look at a stationary object. The object will appear to move in the opposite direction of the original pattern.
  2. Waterfall illusion: This illusion is similar to the motion aftereffect but involves a continuous stream of motion. When you stare at a waterfall for a period of time, the stationary rocks next to it may appear to move in the opposite direction.
  3. Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion involves a spiral pattern that appears to rotate when you move your head. However, the illusion is actually created by the way the pattern is designed and can occur even when you’re not moving.
  4. Rotating snakes illusion: This illusion involves a series of interlocking circles that appear to rotate even though the image is static.
  5. Café wall illusion: This illusion involves a pattern of black and white tiles that appear to be slanted, even though they are actually straight.

All of these illusions, like the peripheral drift illusion, are caused by the way the neurons in the visual system respond to certain types of visual stimuli. They are all examples of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion or other distortions in static images.

Discovery of Peripheral Drift Illusion

The peripheral drift illusion is a visual phenomenon that has been observed and studied by many researchers over the years, and it is not attributed to any single discoverer.

The peripheral drift illusion was actually first described by Jocelyn Faubert in 1991. Faubert is a Canadian visual neuroscientist who first observed the illusion while studying the perception of complex motion patterns. He named the phenomenon “drifting texture” and published his findings in the journal Vision Research in 1991.

Faubert’s work on the peripheral drift illusion was important because it helped to highlight the importance of studying visual processing at the level of the visual system rather than just focusing on the properties of individual stimuli. Since Faubert’s initial description of the phenomenon, the peripheral drift illusion has become an important tool for studying the mechanisms of visual perception and has led to many insights into how the brain processes visual information.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Scrolling Illusions

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Scrolling Illusions

These cool Scrolling Illusions have an illusory effect when they are moving. If you scroll up and down the screen, you’ll see the shapes move or see new shapes appear.

Give these scrolling illusions a try yourself, and if you are interested, scroll down a bit more to read more about scrolling illusions.

Scrolling Illusions
Scrolling Illusions
Scrolling Illusions
Scrolling Illusions
Scrolling Illusions
In this one, and arrow pointing upward appears when you scroll.
Can you see it?


Table of Contents

What are Scrolling Illusions?

Scrolling illusions are a type of visual illusion that occurs when a person views a moving or scrolling pattern, image or animation that creates a false perception of motion, depth, or shape. These illusions occur because our brains try to make sense of the rapidly changing visual information that is presented to our eyes.

One example of a scrolling illusion is the “rotating snakes” illusion, where a static image of black and white snakes appears to be moving and rotating when the image is scrolled up and down on a screen. Another example is the “wavy motion illusion,” where a scrolling pattern of black and white stripes appears to be moving in a wave-like motion, even though the pattern is actually static.

These illusions can be used in art and design to create dynamic and engaging visual experiences, and they can also be used in neuroscience research to study the mechanisms of visual perception and motion processing in the brain.

How do Scrolling Illusions Work?

They work by manipulating the way our visual system processes motion and depth cues. When we view a scrolling pattern, our brain tries to make sense of the rapidly changing visual information by extrapolating the motion and shape of the pattern over time.

One mechanism that contributes to scrolling illusions is the phi phenomenon, which is the perception of motion that occurs when two or more static images are presented in rapid succession. In the case of scrolling illusions, the rapid succession of images is created by scrolling the image on a screen. This rapid succession of images creates the illusion of motion in the pattern.

Another mechanism that contributes to is the use of conflicting depth cues. When scrolling patterns contain conflicting depth cues, such as changes in color, contrast, or texture, our visual system has difficulty resolving the motion and shape of the pattern. This ambiguity in the depth cues can create the illusion of motion in the pattern.

In addition to these mechanisms, scrolling illusions may also be influenced by top-down processes, such as attention and expectation. For example, if we expect to see motion in a scrolling pattern, our brain may be more likely to perceive motion, even if the pattern does not contain explicit depth cues.

Overall, scrolling illusions are a fascinating example of how our brain processes visual information and can be used to study the mechanisms of visual perception and motion processing.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many different types of visual illusions that are similar to scrolling illusions in that they manipulate our perception of motion and depth cues. Here are a few examples:

  1. Motion illusions: These illusions create the perception of motion in a static image. One example is the “motion aftereffect,” where prolonged viewing of a moving pattern can create the illusion of motion in a stationary object.
  2. Stereograms: These are two-dimensional images that use stereoscopic depth cues to create the illusion of a three-dimensional object. One popular type of stereogram is the “Magic Eye” image, where a hidden 3D image can be seen by focusing on a repeated pattern in the image.
  3. Optical illusions: These illusions create an image that is different from the physical reality of the object being depicted.
  4. Ambiguous figures: These are images that can be interpreted in more than one way, depending on how the viewer perceives the shape and orientation of the objects in the image. One example is the “Necker cube,” which can be perceived as a cube that is oriented in two different directions.

Overall, visual illusions are a fascinating way to explore how our brain processes visual information and can provide insights into the mechanisms of perception and cognition.

Discovery of Scrolling Illusions

It’s difficult to attribute the discovery of scrolling illusions to a single individual, as these illusions have been observed and studied by many researchers in the field of visual perception and neuroscience over the years.

One of the earliest documented examples of a scrolling illusion is the “wagon-wheel effect,” which is the perception of backwards motion in a rotating wagon wheel when viewed through a film camera. This effect was first described by the photographer Eadweard Muybridge in the late 1800s.

More recent studies have been conducted by researchers such as Akiyoshi Kitaoka, Stuart Anstis, and Michael Bach, among others. These researchers have used scrolling illusions to study various aspects of visual perception, such as motion processing, depth perception, and visual attention.

Overall, the study of these illusions has been a collaborative effort among many researchers over the years, and these illusions continue to be a fascinating topic of research in the field of visual perception.


References and Resources – Scrolling Illusions

Check out our complete list of illusions.

No Curved Lines Illusion

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No Curved Lines Illusion

In the No Curved Lines Illusion, you’ll see both straight and curved lines.

But as soon as you try to focus on a curved line, it will turn into a straight line and curved lines will pop up elsewhere.

In reality, all of the lines are perfectly straight. If you are interested in learning a bit more about how this works, scroll down to learn more about it.

No Curved Lines Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the No Curved Lines Illusion?

The No Curved Lines Illusion has a few illusory effects at play, but perhaps the most important is the Hering Illusion. This illusion involves a series of straight lines that are superimposed on a pattern of radiating lines, which creates the impression that the straight lines are curved or bowed outwards.

The Hering illusion is an example of a geometric optical illusion, which occurs when visual cues such as angles, length, and position are misinterpreted by the brain, leading to a perception that differs from reality. In this case, the radiating lines in the background of the illusion create a visual distortion that makes the straight lines appear to be curved or bowed. Here is a classic view of the Hering Illusion

Hering Illusion

The Hering illusion is named after the German physiologist Ewald Hering, who first described the effect in the late 19th century. It is a well-known example of a visual illusion and has been used in many studies of visual perception and cognition.

How does the No Curved Lines Illusion?

As mentioned, the No Curved Lines Illusion is grounded in the Herring illusion. The Hering illusion works by exploiting the way our brains perceive depth and perspective in images. Specifically, the illusion takes advantage of how our brains interpret the angle of straight lines in relation to other lines in the image.

The Hering illusion consists of a series of straight, parallel lines that are superimposed over a background of converging lines that are angled to create a radial pattern. The convergence of the radial lines creates the impression of depth, and this in turn causes the straight lines to appear to be curved or bowed outwards.

To understand why this happens, it’s important to note that our brains use various visual cues to interpret the position and angle of lines in an image. One of these cues is the way that lines are positioned in relation to each other. When lines are parallel and run in the same direction, our brains interpret them as being straight and not curved. However, when lines are placed at an angle or converge towards a point, our brains interpret them as being curved or bowed.

In the case of the Hering illusion, the background of converging lines creates the illusion of depth and causes our brains to interpret the straight lines as being curved or bowed outwards, even though they are actually straight. This is because our brains interpret the angle of the straight lines in relation to the converging lines, rather than in isolation. The result is a compelling and persistent illusion of curvature, even though there are no actual curves in the image.

Some Similar Illusions – No Curved Lines Illusion

There are several other visual illusions that are similar to the No Curved Lines Illusion in that they also exploit the way our brains interpret depth and perspective to create distorted or misleading images. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Poggendorff illusion: This illusion involves a diagonal line that is interrupted by a rectangle, and a second line that intersects with the rectangle at an angle. Even though the two lines are actually connected, they appear to be misaligned due to the presence of the rectangle.
  2. The Zöllner illusion: This illusion involves a series of parallel lines that are superimposed over a background of diagonal lines. The parallel lines appear to be skewed or distorted due to the presence of the diagonal lines in the background.
  3. The Ponzo illusion: This illusion involves two lines that are the same length, but are placed over a background of converging lines. The line that appears to be farther away from the viewer appears longer than the line that appears to be closer.
  4. The Müller-Lyer illusion: This classic illusion involves two lines of equal length, but with different arrow-like markings at the ends. One line appears shorter than the other, even though they are actually the same length.

All of these illusions, like the No Curved Lines Illusion, exploit the way our brains interpret visual cues such as perspective, angles, and depth to create a misleading or distorted image. They are all examples of how our perception can be influenced by subtle changes in visual stimuli.

Discovery of the Hering Illusion

The Hering illusion is named after the German physiologist Ewald Hering, who first described the effect in 1861. Hering was a prominent figure in the field of visual perception and was known for his research on the physiology of the eye and the brain. He was particularly interested in the way that visual information is processed by the brain and how this leads to the perception of colors, shapes, and patterns.

In his original paper describing the Hering illusion, Hering noted that the effect could be observed in a variety of different contexts, including patterns of radiating lines and curved surfaces. He hypothesized that the illusion was related to the way that the brain processes visual information and interpreted the effect as evidence for the existence of “perceptual space” – a mental representation of the visual environment that is distinct from physical space. Hering’s work on visual perception was highly influential and helped to lay the foundation for modern research on the brain and cognition.


References and Resources – No Curved Lines Illusion

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Where’s My Car?

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Where's my car?

Hey bud, where’s my car?

In this cool illusion, forced perspective makes it look like these two birds are searching the parking lot for their car.

This is a pretty simple, but cool example of forced perspective. If you are interested learning more about it, scroll down to read some more.

Where's my car?
Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown


Table of Contents – Where’s My Car

What is Forced Perspective?

The “Where’s My Car” image is created using forced perspective which is a technique in photography, filmmaking, and visual arts that manipulates the perception of depth and space to create an optical illusion, making objects appear larger, smaller, farther away, or closer than they actually are. It is achieved by placing objects at different distances from the camera or viewer and adjusting their size and position relative to each other.

For example, in photography or film, a person standing closer to the camera might appear much larger than another person standing further away, even if they are both the same size in real life. Similarly, a miniature model of a building can be made to appear full-size by positioning it closer to the camera than other objects in the scene.

Forced perspective can be used to create dramatic or fantastical effects, or to trick the viewer into perceiving a scene in a particular way. It is commonly used in filmmaking for scenes where characters interact with objects or environments that do not exist in real life, such as in fantasy or science fiction films.

How does Forced Perspective Work?

Forced Perspective is used to create the “Where’s My Car” image works by taking advantage of the way our eyes and brains perceive depth and distance.

When we look at an object, our brains use various visual cues to determine its size and distance. These cues include the relative size of the object compared to other objects in the scene, its position in the visual field, and the convergence of our eyes as we focus on it.

By manipulating these visual cues, forced perspective can create an illusion that an object is larger or smaller, closer or farther away than it actually is. This is often achieved by placing objects of different sizes and distances in the same shot, and positioning the camera or viewer in such a way that the objects appear to be at the same distance.

For example, in a photograph or film shot using forced perspective, objects that are intended to appear closer to the camera will be placed at a larger scale than objects that are intended to appear farther away. The camera or viewer will be positioned so that these objects appear to be at the same distance, and the resulting image will create the illusion of depth and distance that the artist desires.

Overall, forced perspective is a powerful technique for creating visually striking and engaging images, and it requires careful planning and execution to achieve the desired effect.

Some Similar Illusions – Where’s My Car

In addition the the “Where’s my Car” image, there are several similar illusions that use visual cues to manipulate perception in a way that is different from forced perspective. Here are a few examples:

  1. Anamorphosis: This is a technique that distorts an image or object in such a way that it appears normal only when viewed from a particular angle or with a special device. Anamorphic illusions can be used to create three-dimensional or otherwise impossible images.
  2. Trompe-l’oeil: French for “deceive the eye,” trompe-l’oeil is a technique that creates realistic illusions of three-dimensional objects or scenes on a two-dimensional surface. This is often done in painting or sculpture, and can be used to create the illusion of depth and distance.
  3. Moiré patterns: These are visual patterns that appear when two or more overlapping patterns are viewed together. Moiré patterns can create the illusion of movement or depth, and are often used in textiles or graphic design.

All of these illusions use visual cues to manipulate perception in a way that is different from forced perspective, but they all rely on similar principles of depth, distance, and perception to create their effects.

Discovery of the Forced Perspective

The forced perspective technique used to create the “Where’s My Car” image has been used for thousands of years in various forms of art, architecture, and visual storytelling.

As such, it is not credited to a single person or time period. The earliest known examples of forced perspective date back to ancient Egyptian and Greek architecture, where columns and other architectural elements were designed to create the illusion of greater height or size.

Over time, the use of forced perspective has evolved and expanded, with artists and architects in many different cultures and time periods incorporating it into their work in different ways.

It is a technique that continues to be used today in many forms of art and media.


References and Resources – Where’s My Car

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Where's my car?

Color Assimilation Grid Illusion

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color assimilation grid illusion

In these Color Assimilation Grid Illusions, all the images are completely black and white except for some colored lines superimposed on the original image.

Our brains have the fill in the missing color based on the context of the surrounding visual stimuli.

If you are interested in reading more about the the illusion, scroll down to learn more about it.

color assimilation grid illusion
color assimilation grid illusion
color assimilation grid illusion

Table of Contents

What is the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion?

The color assimilation grid illusion, also known as the Chubb illusion, is a perceptual phenomenon where black and white grid lines appear to take on the color of the surrounding grid squares when a few colored lines are added to the image.

The illusion is created by overlaying a grid of black and white lines on a background of colored squares. The colored squares are typically of different colors, and a few colored lines are added to the grid. When the image is viewed, the black and white lines appear to take on the color of the surrounding squares, creating the illusion that the entire image is in color.

The exact mechanisms underlying the color assimilation grid illusion are still not fully understood. However, it is thought to be caused by the way in which neighboring colors and lines interact with each other, and how the brain processes and interprets visual information. The illusion is a fascinating example of how our perception of color can be influenced by surrounding visual stimuli.

How does the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion Work?

The Color Assimilation Grid Illusion, also known as the Chubb illusion, works due to the way our brains process visual information. Our brains have the ability to fill in missing information based on the context of the surrounding visual stimuli.

In the case of the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion, the black and white lines of the grid are surrounded by colored squares. When a few colored lines are added to the image, our brains try to make sense of the new information by processing it in relation to the context of the surrounding colors. As a result, the black and white lines take on the hue of the surrounding colored squares, giving the illusion that the entire image is in color.

This phenomenon is also known as color assimilation, where the colors of adjacent areas can influence the perceived color of an object or area. The exact mechanisms underlying the illusion are not fully understood, but it is believed that they involve complex interactions between the visual system’s processing of color and brightness, the integration of visual information across spatial locations, and the influence of contextual information on visual perception.

Overall, the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion is a fascinating example of how our perception of color can be influenced by surrounding visual stimuli, and how our brains work to fill in missing information based on the context of the visual environment.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion in that they involve the influence of surrounding visual stimuli on our perception of color and brightness. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mach bands illusion: This illusion involves the exaggeration of contrast at the edges of a gray scale. When two adjacent gray bars of slightly different brightness are placed next to each other, the edges between them appear to be darker and lighter than they actually are, creating a banding effect.
  2. Simultaneous contrast illusion: This illusion occurs when a color is perceived differently depending on the colors that surround it. For example, if a gray patch is surrounded by a black background, it will appear lighter than if it is surrounded by a white background.
  3. White’s illusion: This illusion involves the perception of brightness and size of circles. When a small circle is surrounded by a larger circle of the same brightness, the smaller circle appears darker and smaller than it actually is.
  4. Hering illusion: This illusion involves the perception of the curvature of lines. When two parallel lines are surrounded by converging or diverging lines, they appear to be curved.
  5. Adelson’s checkerboard illusion: This illusion involves two squares of different shades of gray placed next to each other on a checkerboard pattern. Although the two squares are of different shades, they appear to be the same shade due to the influence of the surrounding squares.

These are just a few examples of the many illusions that exist and demonstrate the fascinating ways in which our perception of color and brightness can be influenced by the surrounding visual environment.

Discovery of the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion

The Color Assimilation Grid Illusion, also known as the Chubb illusion, was first described by two researchers named George Mather and David H. Kelly in a scientific paper published in 1997. They named the illusion after one of their graduate students, Michael Chubb, who had discovered it during a class demonstration.

Mather and Kelly’s paper, titled “The Measurement of Visual Motion,” reported the results of several experiments they conducted to study the perception of motion in visual stimuli. As part of these experiments, they observed the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion and recognized it as a novel and interesting visual phenomenon.

Since the initial discovery of the Color Assimilation Grid Illusion, it has become a popular topic of study for researchers in the field of visual perception, and it continues to be used as a tool for investigating the mechanisms of color perception in the human brain.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion

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Storseisundet Bridge Illusion

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion uses forced perceptive to create this crazy effect.

Would you make this drive? Scroll down to see the Storseisundet Bridge from a different perspective that might make you feel differently.

Storseisundet Bridge Illusion
Storseisundet Bridge Illusion

Also, if you would like to learn more about the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion, scroll down to learn more about how it works.


Table of Contents

What is the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion?

The Storseisundet bridge is a famous bridge located on the west coast of Norway, in the municipality of Ålesund. It is part of the Atlantic Ocean Road, which is a scenic route that runs along the rugged coastline and through several small islands, and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

The Storseisundet bridge is known for its dramatic curves and arches, which make it appear as if it is rising up out of the water. It is also famous for its optical illusion, where from a certain angle it appears as if the bridge is not connected to the mainland, but rather ends abruptly in the middle of the water.

The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.

How does the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion Work?

The illusion of the Storseisundet bridge appearing to rise out of the water and not being connected to the mainland from certain angles is an example of a forced perspective illusion. Forced perspective is a technique that uses optical illusions to make objects appear larger, smaller, closer or farther away than they actually are.

In the case of the Storseisundet bridge, the illusion is created by the bridge’s design, which includes several curves and arches. When viewed from a certain angle, typically from the side of the road, the arches of the bridge appear to be much taller than they actually are, which creates the illusion that the bridge is rising up out of the water.

At the same time, the road leading up to the bridge is designed to be narrow and steep, which makes it appear as if the road is rising up to meet the bridge. This adds to the illusion that the bridge is not connected to the mainland, but rather ends abruptly in the middle of the water.

Overall, the illusion of the Storseisundet bridge is created by a combination of the bridge’s design, the road leading up to it, and the viewer’s perspective. It is a great example of how optical illusions can be used to create stunning visual effects in architecture and design.

Some Similar Illusions

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion uses forced perspective which is a technique that can be used to create a wide range of illusions, and there are several examples of similar illusions that use similar principles. Here are a few examples:

  1. Ames room illusion: This illusion is created by building a room that is shaped like a trapezoid, with one corner much closer to the viewer than the other corner. When viewed from a certain angle, the room appears to be a perfectly rectangular shape, but in reality, the walls are slanted and the ceiling is higher on one side. This illusion is often used in movies and TV shows to make actors appear larger or smaller than they actually are.
  2. Forced scale illusion: This illusion is created by placing objects of different sizes in a way that makes them appear to be the same size. For example, a person standing farther away from a larger object will appear to be the same size as a person standing closer to a smaller object. This illusion is often used in photography and art to create interesting visual effects.
  3. Tilted room illusion: This illusion is created by building a room that is tilted at an angle, so that the floor and walls are not parallel to each other. When viewed from a certain angle, the room appears to be a perfectly normal rectangular shape, but in reality, the floor and walls are slanted. This illusion can be used to create interesting visual effects, such as rooms that appear to be sliding or tilting.
  4. Oversized object illusion: This illusion is created by placing an object that is much larger than it should be in a scene. For example, a giant spoon or pencil can be placed next to a person or a building to make them appear much smaller than they actually are. This illusion is often used in advertising and marketing to create attention-grabbing visuals.

Discovery of the Forced Perspective

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion used forced perspective has been used in art and architecture for centuries, and its origins are not clear. However, it is known that the technique was widely used by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea Mantegna to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in their paintings.

The term “forced perspective” was first used in the 20th century by Richard Fleischer, a film director, who used the technique in his movies. Fleischer popularized the term and the technique, which involves using optical illusions to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in a scene.

Today, forced perspective is used in a wide range of fields, including film and television, photography, art, and architecture. It continues to be a popular technique for creating stunning visual effects and illusions.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Are the Strawberries Red?

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Are the Strawberries Red?

Are the Strawberries Red?

Well, no in fact. There is zero red in the image below, but the brain interprets red due to the phenomenon of color constancy.

If you are interested in reading more, scroll down to learn more about it.

Are the Strawberries Red?


Table of Contents

What is the Color Constancy – Are the Strawberries Red?

Color constancy is the phenomenon where the perceived color of an object remains relatively constant under different lighting conditions.

The color constancy illusion can cause us to misjudge or perceive colors differently based on their context or surroundings. Our brain often adjusts our perception of an object’s color to account for changes in lighting or context, allowing us to see colors relatively consistently across different environments.

How does the Color Constancy – Are the Strawberries Red?

Color constancy works through a process known as chromatic adaptation. Chromatic adaptation is the ability of the human visual system to adjust its response to different lighting conditions, in order to maintain a relatively constant perception of the color of objects.

When we look at an object, the light reflecting off it enters our eyes and stimulates the cone cells in our retina that are responsible for detecting color. These cone cells are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and they send signals to our brain that are interpreted as color.

However, the color of the light that illuminates the object can vary widely, and this can affect the color signals that are sent to our brain. In order to compensate for changes in the lighting conditions, our visual system adjusts the sensitivity of our cone cells to different wavelengths of light. This process is called chromatic adaptation.

When our visual system encounters a scene with different lighting conditions, it first identifies the overall color of the light in the scene. It then adjusts the sensitivity of the cone cells to match the spectral properties of the light, in order to maintain a consistent perception of color. This adjustment process occurs automatically and unconsciously, allowing us to see colors accurately despite changes in lighting conditions.

However, in some situations, such as when an object is surrounded by colors of a different hue or brightness, the color signals sent to our brain can be influenced by the context in which the object is viewed. This can lead to color constancy illusions, where our perception of an object’s color is affected by the surrounding colors or context.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the color constancy illusion in terms of how they can affect our perception of color:

Simultaneous contrast illusion: This illusion occurs when the perception of a color is influenced by the colors surrounding it. For example, if you place a gray square next to a white square and a black square, the gray square will appear to take on the complementary color of the adjacent squares. This illusion is caused by the way our visual system processes information about color and brightness.

Color assimilation illusion: This illusion occurs when an object appears to take on the color of the surrounding area. For example, if you place a green square next to a blue square, the green square may appear to take on a bluish tint. This illusion is caused by the way our visual system processes information about the interaction between colors.

Chromatic adaptation illusion: This illusion occurs when our perception of color is affected by our previous exposure to different colors or lighting conditions. For example, if you spend time in a room with yellow lighting, your perception of white objects may be affected, making them appear yellowish even when viewed in a different environment. This illusion is caused by the way our visual system adapts to changes in lighting conditions.

All of these illusions are related to the way our visual system processes information about color and the environment, and they can all affect our perception of color in different ways.

Discovery of the Color Constancy – Are the Strawberries Red

The phenomenon of color constancy has been observed and studied by many scientists throughout history, but it was first described in detail by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer, poet, and philosopher in his 1810 book “Theory of Colours.” Goethe observed that the perceived color of an object was affected by the color of the surrounding area, and that the human visual system was able to adjust its perception of color to compensate for changes in lighting conditions.

Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, researchers such as Hermann von Helmholtz, James Clerk Maxwell, and Edwin H. Land, among others, conducted experiments and developed theories to explain the mechanisms behind color constancy. Today, color constancy remains an active area of research in vision science, psychology, and neuroscience.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Spinning Spiral Illusion

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Spinning Spiral Illusion

This Spinning Spiral Illusion uses the phenomenon peripheral drift to create the illusion of motion.

When you view the image directly, there doesn’t appear to be much movement. However, when you are looking close, but not directly at the image (from your periphery) the image will seem to spin.

So, when you are reading this text, the object will appear to spin, but you can stop the motion by looking directly at the image.

If you are interested in the learning more about the Spinning Spiral Illusion peripheral drift, scroll down to learn more about it.

Spinning Spiral Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Spinning Spiral Illusion?

The Spinning Spiral Illusion is a type of peripheral drift illusion which creates the impression of motion in a stationary image. The illusion was discovered by American psychologist and artist Roger Shepard in 1990.

The peripheral drift illusion typically involves a pattern of concentric circles or spirals that are arranged in a way that creates the impression of motion in the periphery of the visual field. The illusion occurs because the patterns create conflicting cues about the direction of motion, which can cause the visual system to perceive motion where none exists.

One common example of the peripheral drift illusion is the Pinna-Brelstaff illusion, which was discovered by Italian neuroscientist and artist Massimo Pinna and British artist Patrick Brelstaff in 2000. In this illusion, a series of black and white wedges are arranged in a spiral pattern. When the image is fixated, the wedges appear to be moving in a circular motion, despite the fact that they are actually stationary.

The peripheral drift illusion is thought to occur because the pattern of the concentric circles or spirals creates a gradient of motion signals that conflicts with other motion signals in the visual field. This conflict can create the impression of motion in the periphery, even when the image is actually stationary.

The peripheral drift illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain processes visual information and can create the illusion of motion where none exists.

How does the Spinning Spiral Illusion Work?

The Spinning Spiral Illusion is a peripheral drift illusion which works by exploiting the way the visual system processes visual information in the periphery of the visual field. When we fixate our eyes on a particular point, our visual system processes information in a way that prioritizes the information in the fovea, the central region of the retina where visual acuity is highest. As a result, the information in the periphery of the visual field is processed differently than information in the fovea.

The peripheral drift illusion typically involves a pattern of concentric circles or spirals that are arranged in a way that creates conflicting cues about the direction of motion. For example, the pattern may include alternating black and white regions that are arranged in a spiral pattern. When the image is fixated, the conflicting motion cues can create the impression of motion in the periphery of the visual field, even though the image itself is stationary.

The conflicting motion cues in the peripheral drift illusion can arise from several different sources. One source is the radial pattern of the concentric circles or spirals, which can create the impression of motion toward or away from the center of the pattern. Another source is the alternating contrast between different regions of the pattern, which can create the impression of motion in different directions.

The exact mechanisms behind the peripheral drift illusion are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a complex interplay between different areas of the brain involved in visual processing. Some researchers have suggested that the illusion may involve interactions between the visual cortex and the neurons in the retina, while others have suggested that it may involve top-down processing from higher brain areas. Nonetheless, the peripheral drift illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain can create the illusion of motion where none exists.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several other illusions that are similar to the Spinning Spiral Illusion and also create the impression of motion in a stationary image. Here are a few examples:

  1. Fraser spiral illusion: This illusion was discovered by British psychologist Sir James Fraser in 1908 and involves a spiral pattern of black and white wedges. When the image is fixated, the wedges appear to be rotating, even though the image is stationary.
  2. Lilac chaser illusion: This illusion involves a series of 12 colored circles arranged in a circle on a black background. When the viewer fixates on the center of the circle and the outermost circle is removed, the remaining circles appear to rotate in a circle and a “lilac chaser” appears in the location where the removed circle was located.
  3. Rotating snakes illusion: This illusion involves a series of overlapping circles and arcs of different colors arranged in a circular pattern. When the image is fixated, the overlapping patterns appear to rotate in a circle.

These illusions, like the peripheral drift illusion, rely on the visual system’s processing of motion cues in the periphery of the visual field to create the impression of motion. They are all fascinating examples of how the brain can create complex visual experiences from simple visual inputs.

Discovery of the Spinning Spiral Illusion

The Spinning Spiral Illusion is a type of peripheral drift illusion which was discovered by American psychologist and artist Roger Shepard in 1990. Shepard is well known for his work on visual perception and cognitive psychology, and he has made significant contributions to our understanding of how the brain processes visual information. The peripheral drift illusion is just one example of the many fascinating optical illusions that Shepard has helped to uncover over the course of his career.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.