Geometric Illusions Archives

Van Gogh Tile Illusion

Check out this awesome Van Gogh Tile Illusion.

If you squint your eyes, you’ll see the tile blocks transform into the iconic Van Gogh self portrait.

The Van Gogh Tile Illusion is is type of tile illusion or sometimes called a “mosaic” illusion. These illusions are created by using smaller elements, such as squares or circles, to build a larger image. When viewed from a distance, the brain merges the smaller elements together to form a coherent image. However, as you get closer to the image, you can see the individual elements and the image becomes less clear.

This effect can be seen in various forms of art and design, such as pixel art or pointillism, where the image is built up from many small dots or pixels. Additionally, it is often used in digital imaging as a technique for creating low-resolution images that still appear clear when viewed from a distance.

Scroll down to see the Van Gogh Tile Illusion, then the original artwork by Van Gogh. If you still can’t see the image in the Tile Illusion, scroll down a bit more to see smaller versions that make the effect more clear.

After you check out the Van Gogh Tile Illusion, scroll down some more to read about how tiled illusions work.

The original Van Gogh self portrait to compare to the Van Gogh Tile Illusion.

It will be easier to see the effect in these smaller images.

Table of Contents – Van Gogh Tile Illusion

What is a Tile Illusion?
How do Tile Illusions work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Tile Illusion
References and Resources

What is a Tile Illusion – Van Gogh Tile Illusion

The Van Gogh Tile Illusion is a type of tiled illusion which is a type of visual illusion in which a larger image is created from smaller, repeating elements or tiles. The tiles can be of different shapes, colors, or textures, and are carefully arranged to create the impression of a larger, more complex image when viewed from a distance.

Tiled illusions work by taking advantage of the brain’s tendency to group visual information into larger patterns or wholes. This is a process called “perceptual grouping” or “figure-ground organization.” By arranging the tiles in specific ways, the artist or designer can create the impression of recognizable objects, landscapes, or other scenes.

Tiled illusions can be found in many different contexts, from art and design to architecture and urban planning. For example, tiled mosaics have been used for centuries in decorative art and architecture, and can be found in everything from ancient Roman villas to modern subway stations.

How do Tile Illusions Work?

Van Gogh Tile Illusion is a tile or mosaic illusions which work by using small, discrete elements, such as squares or circles, to build a larger image. The individual elements are carefully arranged to create the impression of a continuous, recognizable image when viewed from a distance.

When you look at a tile illusion from a distance, your brain merges the individual elements together into a single image, using a process called “grouping.” This process is based on the Gestalt principles of perception, which describe how the brain organizes visual information into coherent wholes.

One of the main principles of grouping is “similarity,” which means that the brain groups together elements that are similar in shape, color, or other visual characteristics. In a tile illusion, the elements are arranged so that they create areas of similarity that correspond to the different regions of the larger image. For example, areas of similar color or brightness might correspond to the sky in a landscape, while areas of different color or brightness might correspond to the ground or other objects.

As you get closer to a tile illusion, the individual elements become more visible, and the image becomes less coherent. This is because the brain has to work harder to group the elements together into a recognizable image. In some cases, the individual elements may even become apparent, and the image may appear as a collection of discrete shapes rather than a coherent whole.

Tile illusions are a fascinating example of how the brain processes visual information, and they demonstrate the importance of context and visual grouping in our perception of the world around us.

Some Similar Illusions – Van Gogh Tile Illusion

There are several other types of illusions that are similar to tile illusions like the Van Gogh Tile Illusion in that they rely on the brain’s ability to group visual information in specific ways. Here are a few examples:

Moiré patterns: These are patterns created by overlapping two or more grids or patterns with slightly different orientations. When the patterns are overlaid, the brain tries to reconcile the conflicting information by creating a new, often intricate pattern. Moiré patterns can be found in many different contexts, including art, textiles, and printing.
Op art: Op art (short for “optical art”) is a style of art that uses geometric shapes and patterns to create optical illusions of movement, depth, and other effects. Op art often uses repeated or layered patterns that can create a sense of visual distortion or confusion.
Kinetic art: Kinetic art is a type of art that relies on movement to create visual effects. Kinetic art often uses mechanical or electrical devices to create motion, and can create illusions of movement, depth, or perspective.
Anamorphic illusions: Anamorphic illusions are images that are distorted or stretched in a specific way so that they appear normal when viewed from a particular angle or with a specific device, such as a mirror or lens. Anamorphic illusions can create startling or dramatic effects, and are often used in art and advertising.

These illusions demonstrate the incredible complexity of visual perception and the many ways that the brain processes and interprets visual information.

Discovery of the Tile Illusion

Tile illusions like the Van Gogh Tile Illusion have been used in art and design for centuries, but it’s difficult to attribute their popularity to any one individual or group. The use of tiles and mosaics in decorative art and architecture can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who used tiles to create intricate patterns and images in their buildings.

In modern times, tile illusions have been popularized by artists and designers working in a range of media. For example, the Dutch artist M.C. Escher is famous for his intricate, mind-bending tile designs, which often feature impossible architectural structures and other visual paradoxes. Escher’s work has been widely influential in the fields of graphic design, illustration, and optical art.

Other artists and designers who have used tile illusions in their work include Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely, and Sol LeWitt, among many others. Tile illusions have also been used extensively in digital art and design, where they can be created using computer algorithms and graphics software.

The popularity of tile illusions can be attributed to their versatility and visual impact. Tile illusions can be used to create a wide range of effects, from simple patterns and images to complex, three-dimensional structures, and they have the ability to capture the viewer’s attention and imagination in a way that few other visual techniques can.

References and Resources

In addition to the Van Gogh Tile Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Cool Carpet Illusion

This Cool Carpet Illusion is from a hotel in Zurich. The Cool Carpet Illusion is an example of illusion knitting where the artist creates an illusory effect in fabric.

If you are interested in learning more about how this Cool Carpet Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Illusion Knitting
How does the Illusion Knitting work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Illusion Knitting
References and Resources

What is the Illusion Knitting

The Cool Carpet Illusion is an example of illusion knitting where the artist creates an illusory effect in fabric. Illusion knitting, also known as shadow knitting or optical knitting, is a technique of knitting that creates a pattern that appears to change or shift when viewed from different angles. The pattern is created by alternating rows of two different colors, with one color appearing more dominant from one angle, and the other color appearing more dominant from a different angle.

The resulting fabric appears to be striped when viewed head-on, but when viewed from an angle, a hidden design or image is revealed. This effect is achieved by knitting each row with alternating stitches of the two colors, with one color dominant on the front side and the other dominant on the back side of the fabric.

Illusion knitting allows for endless creative possibilities, from simple geometric patterns to complex images and pictures. It’s a fun and unique way to add visual interest to your knitting projects.

How does the Illusion Knitting Work

The Cool Carpet Illusion is an example of illusion knitting where the artist creates an illusory effect in fabric.

Illusion knitting works by taking advantage of the way our eyes perceive light and shadow. When we look at an object from a particular angle, the light reflects off its surface and creates shadows that define its shape. The illusion knitting technique uses this principle to create a design that appears to shift and change when viewed from different angles.

To create an illusion knitting pattern, you knit alternating rows of two different colors, with one color appearing more dominant on the right side of the fabric and the other color appearing more dominant on the wrong side. By knitting the stitches with a looser or tighter tension depending on the color being used, you create ridges and valleys that catch the light and cast shadows, creating the illusion of a design.

When you look at the fabric head-on, the stripes of color dominate and obscure the underlying design. But when you look at the fabric from an angle, the pattern becomes visible as the shadows and highlights shift to reveal the hidden design.

Illusion knitting requires a bit of planning and attention to detail, but with practice, you can create stunning designs that appear to magically appear and disappear as you move around them.

Some Similar Illusions

The Cool Carpet Illusion is an example of illusion knitting where the artist creates an illusory effect in fabric.

There are several similar illusions that take advantage of the way our eyes perceive light and shadow to create a visual effect. Some of these include:

Moiré patterns: These are patterns that appear to shimmer or vibrate when two overlapping patterns are superimposed on each other. This effect is created by the interference of the fine lines of the two patterns.
Op art: Short for “optical art,” this art style uses geometric shapes and patterns to create illusions of movement or depth. Op art relies on the contrast between colors and shapes to create an effect of motion or dimensionality.
Trompe l’oeil: French for “fool the eye,” trompe l’oeil is an art technique that creates realistic images that appear three-dimensional. These images are often painted on a flat surface but appear to be three-dimensional when viewed from a certain angle.
Anamorphic illusions: These illusions use distortion to create a recognizable image that is only visible from a particular angle or when viewed through a special device such as a mirror or lens. The distorted image appears to be a meaningless jumble until viewed from the correct perspective.

These illusions, like illusion knitting, use the principles of light and shadow to create visual effects that appear to shift and change depending on the viewer’s perspective.

Discovery of Illusion Knitting

The Cool Carpet Illusion is an example of illusion knitting where the artist creates an illusory effect in fabric.

Illusion knitting has been around for many years, but it gained widespread popularity in the 1990s and 2000s through the work of several influential knitters and designers.

One of the most prominent figures in the world of illusion knitting is Steve Plummer, who is often credited with popularizing the technique. Plummer began experimenting with illusion knitting in the 1980s, and in 1991, he published a book called “Shadow Knitting” that introduced the technique to a wider audience.

Another important figure in the world of illusion knitting is Vivian Høxbro, a Danish knitwear designer who has written several books on the subject. Høxbro’s designs often incorporate intricate geometric patterns that appear to shift and change when viewed from different angles.

Since then, many other designers and knitters have explored the possibilities of illusion knitting, and the technique continues to evolve and inspire new creations. Today, there are many resources available online and in print that provide instructions and inspiration for knitters interested in exploring this fascinating technique.

References and Resources

In addition to the Cool Carpet illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Highway to Heaven Illusion

This Highway to Heaven Illusion is located on Interstate 80 near Quealy Dome in southwestern Wyoming.

The Highway to Heaven Illusion occurs when drivers approach a steep uphill section of the highway that appears to blend into the horizon, creating the illusion that the road is rising into the sky. It’s popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and is often featured in photos and videos. Pretty cool!

What is the Highway to Heaven Illusion?
How does the Highway to Heaven Illusion work?
Some Similar Illusions
References and Resources

What is the Highway to Heaven Illusion?

The Highway to Heaven Illusion, also known as the “Road to Heaven” illusion is located on Interstate 80 near Quealy Dome in southwestern Wyoming.

This optical illusion occurs when drivers approach a steep uphill section of the highway that appears to blend into the horizon, creating the illusion that the road is rising into the sky.

The Highway to Heaven Illusion is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and is often featured in photos and videos.

How does the Highway to Heaven Illusion work?

The Highway to Heaven Illusion on Interstate 80 in Wyoming is caused by a combination of factors related to the surrounding landscape and the geometry of the road.

At the location of the illusion, the highway climbs a steep grade as it approaches Quealy Dome, a rock formation in the distance. The angle of the grade and the shape of the terrain create a visual effect known as a “false horizon,” where the sky appears to blend seamlessly into the ground.

Additionally, the curving nature of the highway and the position of the observer can make it appear as if the road is climbing towards the sky, even though it is actually ascending a hill.

The illusion is most striking when the sky is clear and the lighting conditions are right, and it has become a popular spot for photographers and tourists who are intrigued by the unique optical effect.

Some Similar Illusions

The following are some illusions and effects like Highway to Heaven Illusion

Fata Morgana: This is a complex optical illusion caused by the bending of light rays in the atmosphere. It can cause distant objects, such as land masses or ships at sea, to appear elongated, distorted, or floating in the air. Fata Morgana is often seen in polar regions and deserts.
Mirage: A mirage is a type of optical illusion that occurs when light rays are refracted or bent due to temperature gradients in the air. Mirages can make distant objects, such as trees or buildings, appear to be closer or more elevated than they actually are. This effect is common in deserts, where the hot ground can create temperature gradients that cause the light to bend.
Moon Illusion: This is a phenomenon where the moon appears larger when it is near the horizon than when it is high in the sky. The moon illusion is an optical illusion caused by the brain’s perception of distance and size.
Haze: Haze is a type of atmospheric condition caused by the presence of small particles or pollutants in the air. Haze can cause distant objects to appear less sharp or clear, and can create a sense of depth or distance in landscape photography.

References and Resources

In addition to the Highway to Heaven Illusion, Check out our complete list of illusions.

A false horizon is an optical illusion that occurs when the appearance of the horizon line is affected by the surrounding terrain or environmental conditions. This can create the impression that the horizon is in a different location than it actually is.

One common cause of a false horizon is when a distant object or the sky blends seamlessly with the ground, creating the illusion that the horizon line is lower or higher than it actually is. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as atmospheric conditions, terrain features, and lighting.

In some cases, a false horizon can also be caused by the curvature of the Earth. The curvature of the planet can cause the horizon to appear slightly lower than it actually is, which can make objects in the distance appear to be floating or rising above the horizon line.

A false horizon can have an impact on navigation, particularly in situations where the visibility is poor or the terrain is unfamiliar. It is important for pilots, sailors, and other navigators to be aware of the potential for false horizons and to use multiple methods of navigation to ensure accurate positioning.

Gestalt Dalmatian

Can you spot the hidden Gestalt Dalmatian in this seemingly random collection of black and white splotches?

If you need help spotting it, you can see the answer revealed here – Gestalt Dalmatian revealed.

After you spot the Gestalt Dalmatian the first time, you’ll immediately spot it every time going forward due to the Gestalt concept known as “perceptual organization” which is where people automatically organize the elements of our experience into a meaningful and coherent wholes.

If you are interested in learning more about Gestalt and how the Gestalt Dalmatian works, scroll down to read more about it.

What is Gestalt ?
How does the Gestalt work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of Gestalt
References and Resources

What is Gestalt?

Gestalt is a German word that means “shape” or “form”. In psychology, gestalt refers to a theory of perception that emphasizes the importance of holistic, or “whole,” perception rather than the individual parts.

According to gestalt psychology, when we perceive something, we automatically organize the elements of our experience into a meaningful and coherent whole. This process is known as “perceptual organization.” Gestalt psychologists identified several principles that govern perceptual organization, including proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, and figure-ground.

Gestalt theory has been applied to many areas of psychology, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology. It has also influenced many other fields, such as design, art, and architecture.

How does Gestalt Work?

The Gestalt principles, also known as the laws of perceptual organization, are a set of principles that describe how we organize sensory information into a meaningful whole. The Gestalt principles include:

Law of Similarity: Objects that are similar in color, shape, size, or texture tend to be perceived as belonging together.
Law of Proximity: Objects that are close to each other tend to be perceived as a group.
Law of Closure: When presented with an incomplete image, our brain fills in the gaps to create a complete image.
Law of Continuity: We tend to perceive objects as continuous and flowing, rather than as disconnected and fragmented.
Law of Figure-Ground: We tend to separate objects into a foreground and background, or figure and ground.
Law of Common Fate: Objects that move together tend to be perceived as belonging together.

These principles help explain how we organize the complex and varied sensory information we receive from the world around us into meaningful patterns and objects. They have been used in many areas of psychology and design, from visual perception and art to problem-solving and decision-making.

Some Similar Illusions to the Gestalt Dalmatian

There are many illusions that work because of Gestalt principles like the Gestalt Dalmatian. Here are a few examples:

The Kanizsa Triangle: This is an illusion where three “Pac-Man” shapes are arranged to form a triangle, even though there is no actual triangle present. The brain fills in the gaps between the shapes to create the perception of a triangle.
The Rubin Vase: This is an illusion where the same shape can be seen as either a vase or two faces looking at each other, depending on whether you focus on the black or white areas of the image. This illusion demonstrates the figure-ground principle, where the brain separates an image into a foreground and background.
The Müller-Lyer Illusion: This is an illusion where two lines of equal length appear to be different lengths because of the presence of arrow-like shapes at the ends of the lines. This illusion demonstrates the role of context in perception, as the arrows cause the brain to perceive the lines as being different lengths.
The Zöllner Illusion: This is an illusion where parallel lines appear to be at an angle to each other because of the presence of diagonal lines crossing over them. This illusion demonstrates the role of the principle of continuity, as the brain perceives the diagonal lines as continuing behind the parallel lines.

These illusions demonstrate how the Gestalt principles of perceptual organization can affect our perception of the world around us just like the Gestalt Dalmatian, and how our brain can be tricked into seeing things that aren’t actually there.

Discovery of Gestalt – Gestalt Dalmatian

The Gestalt psychology movement was founded by a group of German psychologists in the early 20th century, including Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka. They were interested in understanding how people perceive and make sense of the world around them, and they developed the gestalt principles as a way of explaining how our brains organize sensory information into meaningful patterns and objects.

Max Wertheimer is often considered the founder of Gestalt psychology. He conducted a series of experiments in the early 1900s that led to the development of the theory of perceptual organization. He was particularly interested in the phi phenomenon, which is the illusion of motion that occurs when two or more stationary stimuli are presented in rapid succession.

Wolfgang Köhler was another key figure in the development of Gestalt psychology. He conducted research on problem-solving in chimpanzees and proposed that insight, or sudden understanding of a problem, was a key component of problem-solving.

Kurt Koffka, who studied under Wertheimer, was another important figure in the Gestalt movement. He proposed that perception was not just a simple process of adding up sensory information, but rather a complex, active process that involved making sense of the whole of a sensory experience, not just the individual parts.

Gestalt Dalmatian Revealed

Here is where the location of the Gestalt Dalmatian is revealed.

References and Resources

In addition to the Gestalt Dalmatian, please check out our complete list of illusions.

Vertical Peripheral Drift

Stare at this Vertical Peripheral Drift illusion and you should see an up and down wave like pattern caused by the phenomenon of Peripheral Drift.

If you are interested in learning more about how this Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion?
How does the Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion work?
Discovery of the Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion?

This Vertical Peripheral Drift works based on the principles of Peripheral Drift.

Peripheral drift is an optical illusion that occurs when stationary patterns, such as stripes or grids, appear to move or “drift” in the peripheral vision of an observer. The illusion is created by the way the brain processes visual information from the retina, which can cause the edges of the patterns to appear to blur or vibrate slightly.

The effect is more pronounced when the patterns are high-contrast, such as black and white stripes, and when the patterns are presented in the periphery of the visual field. The illusion can be enhanced by adding motion to the patterns or by varying the width or spacing of the stripes.

Peripheral drift is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including the way the brain processes spatial frequency information, the interactions between adjacent visual neurons, and the effects of eye movements and fixational eye movements.

Peripheral drift is a well-known phenomenon in vision science and has been studied extensively as a way to better understand the mechanisms of visual processing in the brain.

How does the Vertical Peripheral Drift Illusion Work?

This Vertical Peripheral Drift works based on the principles of Peripheral Drift.

Peripheral drift is an optical illusion that occurs when stationary patterns, such as stripes or grids, appear to move or “drift” in the peripheral vision of an observer. This illusion is caused by the way the brain processes visual information from the retina.

The retina is the part of the eye that receives visual input from the environment and sends it to the brain for processing. The retina is made up of cells called photoreceptors, which detect light and send signals to other cells in the retina, called retinal ganglion cells.

The retinal ganglion cells are organized in a way that allows them to detect different aspects of the visual scene, such as edges, color, and motion. Some cells are sensitive to low spatial frequencies, meaning they respond best to wide, low-contrast patterns, while others are sensitive to high spatial frequencies, which means they respond best to narrow, high-contrast patterns.

When an observer views a stationary pattern of high-contrast stripes in their peripheral vision, the edges of the stripes appear to blur or vibrate slightly due to the interactions between adjacent visual neurons in the retina. These slight movements are then interpreted by the brain as motion, which creates the illusion of drifting.

Additionally, eye movements and fixational eye movements, which are small involuntary movements of the eyes, can also contribute to the perception of drifting. As the eyes move and fixate on different points in the visual scene, the edges of the patterns can shift slightly, which can enhance the illusion of movement.

Overall, peripheral drift is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple factors in both the retina and the brain. Studying this illusion can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of visual processing and perception.

Some Similar Illusions

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

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.
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.
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.
Rotating snakes illusion: This illusion involves a series of interlocking circles that appear to rotate even though the image is static.
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 vertical 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

In addition to the vertical peripheral drift Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this Waving Squares Illusion which is cool peripheral drift illusion too!

Tunnel Illusion

This cool tunnel illusion that creates the illusion of a 3D tunnel or a concave shape that moves slightly despite the fact that the image is completely flat.

If you are interested about how this cool tunnel illusion works, scroll down to readmore about it.

What is the Tunnel Illusion?
How does the Tunnel Illusion work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Tunnel Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Tunnel Illusion?

The tunnel illusion is an optical illusion that creates the illusion of a tunnel or a concave shape when, in fact, the image is completely flat.

The black and white checkerboard pattern is often used to create this illusion. In this version of the illusion, the checkerboard pattern is placed on a flat surface and the pattern is manipulated so that the squares appear to be getting smaller as they get further away from the viewer. This creates the impression of a tunnel or a concave shape that appears to be extending into the distance.

The illusion works because of the way our brains interpret depth cues. As objects get further away, they appear smaller, and our brains use this information to interpret the size and shape of objects in the world. By manipulating the size of the squares in the checkerboard pattern, the illusion tricks our brains into perceiving a depth that isn’t actually there.

How does the Tunnel Illusion Work?

The tunnel illusion works by exploiting our brain’s perception of depth and perspective. When we look at an image that includes converging lines or patterns, our brain naturally interprets those lines as representing depth or distance. In the case of the tunnel illusion, the black and white checkerboard pattern is arranged in such a way that the squares appear to be getting smaller as they recede into the distance. This creates the impression that the image is actually a tunnel or a concave shape, when in reality it is just a flat image.

Our brain relies on many different cues to interpret depth and distance, including binocular disparity (the difference between the images received by our two eyes), motion parallax (the way objects appear to move at different rates when we move our head or eyes), and perspective (the way objects appear smaller when they are further away). In the case of the tunnel illusion, perspective is the key cue that tricks our brain into perceiving depth and distance.

When we look at the tunnel illusion, our brain automatically interprets the converging lines of the checkerboard pattern as representing a tunnel or a concave shape, even though we know intellectually that the image is flat. This is because our brain is wired to interpret certain patterns as representing depth and distance, and the checkerboard pattern used in the illusion is a particularly effective way of exploiting this wiring.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many other optical illusions that are similar to the tunnel illusion, in that they exploit our brain’s perception of depth and distance to create a false sense of three-dimensionality. Here are a few examples:

Ames Room illusion: This illusion creates the impression of a room that is longer or shorter than it actually is. It works by using forced perspective, where one side of the room is closer to the viewer than the other. This makes objects and people in the room appear to be larger or smaller than they actually are.
Ponzo illusion: This illusion creates the impression that two identical lines are different lengths, based on their context. The illusion works by placing the lines in the context of converging lines that suggest depth, which causes our brain to interpret the top line as being further away than the bottom line.
Mueller-Lyer illusion: This illusion creates the impression that two identical lines are different lengths, based on the presence of angled lines at the ends of the lines. The illusion works because our brain interprets the angled lines as indicating perspective, and assumes that the line with the outward-angled lines is further away and therefore longer. The Müller-Lyer illusion was first described by Franz Carl Müller-Lyer in 1889.
Hering illusion: This illusion creates the impression that two parallel lines are curved, based on the presence of converging or diverging lines around them. The illusion works by exploiting our brain’s tendency to interpret certain visual patterns as representing depth and perspective.

These are just a few examples of the many optical illusions that are similar to the tunnel illusion in their use of depth and perspective cues to create a false sense of three-dimensionality.

Discovery of the Tunnel Illusion

The tunnel illusion has been studied by many researchers over the years, and it’s difficult to attribute its discovery to any one person. However, one of the earliest known examples of the tunnel illusion can be found in a 1904 book called “The Psychology of Special and Differential Diagnosis of Malingerers” by Dr. William Hirsch, a German ophthalmologist.

Hirsch included an illustration in his book that featured a black and white checkerboard pattern arranged in a way that created the illusion of a concave tunnel. Although Hirsch did not describe the illusion in detail or conduct any experiments to study it, his illustration is one of the earliest known examples of the tunnel illusion.

Since Hirsch’s time, the tunnel illusion has been studied and discussed by many other researchers, including psychologists, neuroscientists, and vision scientists. It has been used as a tool for understanding how our brains process visual information, and it continues to fascinate and intrigue scientists and laypeople alike.

References and Resources

In addition to the Tunnel Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Moving Spiral Illusion

Look at the center of this Moving Spiral Illusion and watch as the surrounding circles appear to spiral around the center.

This Moving Spiral Illusion works based on the principles in two famous illusions – the Fraser Spiral and Peripheral Drift.

If you are interested in learning more about how this Moving Spiral Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Moving Spiral Illusion?
How does the Moving Spiral Illusion work?
Discovery of the Moving Spiral Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Moving Spiral Illusion?

This Moving Spiral Illusion works based on the principles in two famous illusions – the Fraser Spiral and Peripheral Drift.

The Fraser spiral illusion is an optical illusion that involves a spiral pattern composed of concentric circles.

In the Fraser spiral illusion, the individual circles appear to spiral outward towards the edges of the pattern, giving the impression of a continuously expanding spiral. However, in reality, the circles are arranged in a series of disconnected concentric circles, with no actual spiral present.

The illusion occurs due to the way our brain processes visual information. The concentric circles and spacing between them create an optical effect that leads our brain to perceive a spiral where there is none. This is an example of a perceptual illusion, where our perception of reality is altered due to the way our brain processes information.

Peripheral drift is an optical illusion that occurs when stationary patterns, such as stripes or grids, appear to move or “drift” in the peripheral vision of an observer. The illusion is created by the way the brain processes visual information from the retina, which can cause the edges of the patterns to appear to blur or vibrate slightly.

Peripheral drift is a well-known phenomenon in vision science and has been studied extensively as a way to better understand the mechanisms of visual processing in the brain.

How does the Moving Spiral Illusion Work?

This Moving Spiral Illusion works based on the principles in two famous illusions – the Fraser Spiral and Peripheral Drift.

The Fraser spiral illusion works by exploiting the way our visual system processes information. The illusion is created by a pattern of concentric circles that are spaced closer together near the center of the spiral and farther apart towards the outer edges.

When we look at the pattern, our brain tries to make sense of the visual information by grouping the circles into patterns. However, because the spacing between the circles changes, our brain interprets the pattern as a spiral rather than a series of concentric circles.

The illusion is further strengthened by the fact that the circles are shaded so that they appear to have a gradient of darkness from the center to the outer edge. This gradient reinforces the impression of a spiral, as our brain interprets the change in shading as indicating a continuous curve.

In short, the Fraser spiral illusion is created by manipulating the visual cues that our brain uses to interpret patterns, leading us to perceive a spiral where none actually exists.

Peripheral drift is an optical illusion that occurs when stationary patterns, such as stripes or grids, appear to move or “drift” in the peripheral vision of an observer. This illusion is caused by the way the brain processes visual information from the retina.

Discovery of the Moving Spiral Illusion

This Moving Spiral Illusion works based on the principles in two famous illusions – the Fraser Spiral and Peripheral Drift.

Sir James Fraser was a British psychologist who made important contributions to the field of perception and cognitive psychology.

He was born in 1854 and died in 1941. He is best known for his work on visual perception, particularly for his description of the Fraser spiral illusion in 1908.

Fraser studied at Cambridge University and later became a professor of psychology at University College London.

He made a significant contribution to the study of visual perception, and his work on the Fraser spiral illusion helped to establish the field of cognitive psychology, which focuses on how the brain processes and interprets information.

He also made contributions to other areas of psychology such as memory and attention. He was knighted in 1935 for his services to psychology.

References and Resources

In addition to the Moving Spiral Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Hyperboloid Optical Illusion

These Hyperboloid Optical Illusions involves a sphere appearing to rotate around a hyperboloid, when in fact the objects are all static.

The illusion is created by placing a static ball at the center of the hyperboloid shape, which is typically drawn or displayed on a two-dimensional surface. As the viewer moves their gaze around the shape, the ball appears to move along the hyperboloid in a smooth and continuous motion, even though it is actually stationary.

If you are interested in learning more about Hyperboloid Optical Illusions, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion?
How does the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion?

The Hyperboloid Optical Illusion creates the appearance of a static ball moving around a three-dimensional hyperboloid shape, which is a surface that has two curved branches that are connected like an hourglass.

This illusion works because the hyperboloid shape creates the perception of depth and movement, which tricks the brain into perceiving the static ball as moving. It is a popular optical illusion that has been used in art, design, and visual effects in movies and video games.

How does the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion Work?

The Hyperboloid Optical Illusion that makes a static ball appear to move around a hyperboloid works by exploiting the way our brains perceive depth and motion.

When we look at an object, our brain processes the visual information it receives and creates a mental image of the object’s shape, location, and movement. The brain uses visual cues such as shading, texture, and perspective to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality.

In the case of the hyperboloid illusion, the lines of the hyperboloid shape create a series of perspective cues that trick the brain into perceiving the shape as three-dimensional. The way the lines converge and diverge creates an impression of depth and curvature, which makes the brain interpret the image as a curved surface.

The static ball at the center of the hyperboloid illusion appears to move because our brain assumes that it is following the contours of the curved surface, even though the ball is actually stationary. As we move our gaze around the image, our brain perceives the ball as moving in a smooth and continuous motion along the hyperboloid shape.

In summary, the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion works by using perspective cues to create the impression of a three-dimensional object, which tricks the brain into perceiving motion where there is none.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several optical illusions that are similar to the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion in that they use geometric shapes and perspective to create the impression of depth, motion, or three-dimensionality. Here are a few examples:

The Ames Room Illusion – This illusion uses a distorted room with slanted walls to create the impression of a person growing or shrinking in size as they move across the room.
The Penrose Stairs Illusion – This illusion uses a series of stairs that seem to loop back on themselves, creating the impression of an impossible three-dimensional structure.
The Necker Cube Illusion – This illusion uses a simple cube shape that can be interpreted as facing in two different directions, creating the impression of an ambiguous or shifting shape.
The Ponzo Illusion – This illusion uses a set of converging lines to create the impression of depth and distance, making objects at the top of the image seem larger than objects at the bottom.
The Muller-Lyer Illusion – This illusion uses a set of arrows or fins that point in different directions to create the impression of depth or length, even though the lines are actually the same length.

These are just a few examples of the many optical illusions that use visual tricks to create the impression of three-dimensionality, motion, or other effects.

Discovery of the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion

It’s not clear who first discovered the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion, as the concept of using perspective and geometric shapes to create illusions has been used in art and design for centuries. However, the specific version of the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion that makes a static ball appear to move around a hyperboloid shape is a more recent development.

Since then, the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion has become a popular subject for artists, designers, and visual effects experts, and has been used in a variety of applications, including advertising, entertainment, and interactive media.

References and Resources

In addition to the Hyperboloid Optical Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Diamonds or Squares Illusion

In this Diamonds or Squares Illusion, at first glance, most people will quickly see diamonds that pop off the page. But, if you look closer, you will see that there isn’t a line making those diamonds. Because of the contrast between the black and white lines, your brain just assumes the lines making the diamonds exists.

This is a Gestalt grouping illusion, much like the Kanizsa Triangle, which works by taking advantage of the way our brains process and organize visual information. Our brains have a natural tendency to group similar or related elements together, and to perceive patterns and structures even when they are not explicitly present in the visual stimulus.

If you are interested in learning more about how this Diamonds or Squares Illusion, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Diamonds or Squares Illusion?
How does the Diamonds or Squares Illusion work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Diamonds or Squares Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Diamonds or Squares Illusion?

The Diamonds or Squares Illusion is an illusion created by Gestalt grouping principles. Gestalt grouping principles are a set of rules that our brains use to organize visual information into meaningful patterns and structures. There are several visual illusions that take advantage of these principles to create striking and often surprising effects.

Overall, gestalt grouping principles play a fundamental role in how our brains process visual information, and there are many illusions that take advantage of these principles to create fascinating and often counterintuitive effects.

How does the Diamonds or Squares Illusion Work?

The Diamonds or Squares Illusion works like other gestalt grouping illusions which work by taking advantage of the way our brains process and organize visual information. Our brains have a natural tendency to group similar or related elements together, and to perceive patterns and structures even when they are not explicitly present in the visual stimulus.

There are several principles of Gestalt psychology that describe how this process works:

Proximity: Objects that are close together tend to be perceived as a group.
Similarity: Objects that are similar in shape, color, or texture tend to be perceived as belonging together.
Closure: Our brains tend to fill in missing information to create a complete shape or structure.
Continuity: Our brains tend to perceive continuous patterns or lines, even if they are interrupted or obscured.
Figure-Ground: Our brains tend to separate the visual field into a foreground object and a background object.

Visual illusions that use Gestalt grouping principles take advantage of these tendencies to create ambiguous or conflicting stimuli that can be interpreted in multiple ways. For example, the famous Rubin’s vase illusion can be perceived as either a vase or two faces, depending on whether you perceive the black or white elements as the foreground object.

Other Gestalt grouping illusions, such as the Kanizsa Triangle, use the principle of closure to create the perception of a complete shape or structure, even when the actual stimulus is incomplete or fragmented.

Overall, Gestalt grouping illusions are a fascinating demonstration of the power and flexibility of our visual system. They show how our brains use fundamental principles of organization and pattern recognition to create a coherent and meaningful perception of the world around us.

Some Similar Illusions

The following are some other gestalt grouping illusions like the Diamonds or Squares Illusion. These all use gestalt grouping principles which are a set of rules that our brains use to organize visual information into meaningful patterns and structures. There are several visual illusions that take advantage of these principles to create striking and often surprising effects. Here are some examples of gestalt grouping illusions:

Figure-ground reversal: In this type of illusion, the foreground and background of an image can be perceived in different ways, depending on how the brain groups the visual elements. For example, the famous Rubin’s vase illusion shows a vase or two faces, depending on how you perceive the figure and ground.
Similarity grouping: This principle states that objects that are similar in shape, color, or texture tend to be perceived as belonging together. One example of an illusion that uses this principle is the “illusory contours” illusion, where the brain perceives contours and shapes that are not actually present in the image.
Proximity grouping: This principle states that objects that are close to each other tend to be perceived as a group. One example of an illusion that uses this principle is the “Kanizsa Triangle” illusion, where three pac-man shapes arranged in a triangle with the “mouths” facing inwards are perceived as a white triangle in the center.
Closure grouping: This principle states that the brain tends to fill in missing information to create a complete shape or structure. One example of an illusion that uses this principle is the “Café Wall” illusion, where a pattern of black and white tiles appears to be tilted or wavy, even though the tiles are all straight and parallel.
Continuity grouping: This principle states that the brain tends to perceive continuous patterns or lines, even if they are interrupted or obscured. One example of an illusion that uses this principle is the “Zöllner Illusion“, where parallel lines appear to be tilted and distorted by oblique lines.

Discovery of the Diamonds or Squares Illusion

The Diamonds or Squares Illusion works because of Gestalt grouping principles.

Gestalt psychology, which is the basis for understanding Gestalt grouping principles, was developed in the early 20th century by a group of German psychologists, including Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka.

Max Wertheimer is often credited with the discovery of Gestalt psychology and the principles of perceptual organization that underlie Gestalt grouping illusions. In 1912, Wertheimer conducted a series of experiments on apparent motion, which involved presenting a sequence of flashing lights that gave the impression of movement. Wertheimer’s research suggested that the perception of motion was not simply a matter of combining static visual elements, but was instead an emergent property of the overall pattern of stimulation.

This idea led to the development of Gestalt psychology and the principles of perceptual organization, which were further elaborated by Köhler and Koffka. The principles of Gestalt psychology have been widely applied in fields such as art, design, and advertising, as well as in neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

References and Resources

In addition to the Diamonds or Squares Illusion, please check out our complete list of illusions.

Moving In and Out Illusion

This Moving In and Out Illusion has a couple cool effects. Overall, the design appear to move due to some illusory motion dynamics, but it’s also impossible to tell if the centermost point is pointing in or pointing out.

There are at least two effects at play here: illusory motion and the crater illusion.

If you are interested in learning more about how the Moving In and Out Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

What is the Moving In and Out Illusion?
How does the Moving In and Out Illusion?
Some Similar Illusions
References and Resources

What is the Moving In and Out Illusion?

The Moving In and Out Illusion has elements of both illusory motion and the crater illusion.

Illusory motion refers to the perception of motion in a static image or pattern that is not actually moving. This type of illusion can occur in a variety of ways, from the movement of static lines to the apparent rotation of an object.

One common example of illusory motion is the “motion aftereffect” or “motion illusion”. This occurs when you stare at a moving object for an extended period of time and then look away at a stationary object. The stationary object may appear to be moving in the opposite direction of the original moving object, creating the illusion of motion.

Another example of illusory motion is the “phi phenomenon”, which occurs when two or more static images are presented in quick succession. The images may appear to be moving or changing, even though they are actually static. This effect is often used in animation and film to create the impression of motion or change.

Illusory motion can also occur when viewing complex patterns, such as those found in Op Art or Kinetic Art. These patterns may appear to move or shift in different ways, even though they are static. This type of illusion is often referred to as “optical illusion motion”.

Overall, illusory motion is a fascinating example of how our brains interpret visual information and can be easily fooled by static images or patterns. It demonstrates the complex nature of perception and the many ways in which our brains construct a sense of motion and movement in the world around us.

The crater illusion is a visual illusion that creates the perception of a concave surface or a depression, even though the surface is actually flat. The illusion is created by a pattern of light and dark concentric circles or rings that are arranged in a specific way.

When the pattern is viewed from a certain distance, the concentric rings create a gradient of shading that gives the appearance of a three-dimensional depression, as if the surface is curved downward. This illusion is similar to the “Pinna-Brelstaff illusion”, which creates the perception of motion or rotation through the use of concentric rings.

How does the Moving In and Out Illusion Work?

The Moving In and Out Illusion has elements of both illusory motion and the crater illusion.

Illusory motion works by taking advantage of the way our brains process visual information.

When we see a moving object, our brains perceive it as moving based on the changes in its position over time. These changes are detected by cells in the visual cortex that are sensitive to motion, and they send signals to other parts of the brain that allow us to perceive the motion.

However, illusory motion can occur even when there is no actual movement because our brains can be tricked into perceiving motion based on other visual cues. One way this can happen is through the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where an image continues to be perceived by the brain for a brief period of time after it has been removed from view.

For example, in the case of the motion aftereffect, staring at a moving object for an extended period of time can cause the cells in the visual cortex to become fatigued, leading to a decrease in their sensitivity to motion. When you look away at a stationary object, the cells that are still responsive to motion may send signals to the brain that create the illusion of motion in the opposite direction of the original moving object.

Similarly, the phi phenomenon works by presenting static images in quick succession, causing the persistence of vision to create the impression of motion or change.

In the case of complex patterns, such as those found in Op Art or Kinetic Art, the illusion of motion may be created by the interaction of different visual cues, such as color, shape, and contrast. These cues can create the impression of motion or shifting patterns, even though the image itself is static.

Overall, illusory motion is a fascinating example of how our brains interpret visual information and can be easily fooled by a variety of visual cues. It demonstrates the complex nature of perception and the many ways in which our brains construct a sense of motion and movement in the world around us.

The crater illusion works by taking advantage of the way our brains interpret visual cues to create the perception of depth and three-dimensionality.

The illusion is created by a series of concentric circles or rings that are arranged in a specific way. The rings are shaded with alternating light and dark regions, with the dark regions increasing in width towards the center of the circle.

When the pattern is viewed from a certain distance, the shading of the concentric circles creates the impression of a gradual slope or depression. This is because our brains interpret the shading as a series of shadows and highlights caused by a light source positioned above the surface. Our brains assume that the light is coming from above, so the dark regions of the concentric rings are interpreted as the deeper parts of a concave surface.

The illusion is strengthened by the fact that the concentric circles themselves are reminiscent of round objects like craters or bowls, which further reinforces the impression of depth and curvature.

Overall, the crater illusion is a striking example of how our brains can be tricked into perceiving three-dimensional space even when the stimulus is actually flat and two-dimensional. It demonstrates the complex interplay between visual cues and interpretation that underlies our perception of the world around us.

Some Similar Illusions

Some illusions similar to the Moving In and Out Illusion include the following:

Rotating snakes illusion: This illusion consists of a pattern of overlapping circles and curves that create the perception of continuous motion, as if the image is rotating in a circular motion.
Motion aftereffect illusion: This illusion occurs when a person views a moving stimulus for a prolonged period of time, and then looks at a stationary object. The stationary object will appear to be moving in the opposite direction of the original stimulus.
Autokinetic effect: This illusion occurs when a stationary point of light is viewed in a dark room for a prolonged period of time. The light will appear to move or “drift” even though it is stationary.
Peripheral drift illusion: This illusion consists of a pattern of intersecting circles and lines that create the perception of motion at the periphery of the visual field.
Barber pole illusion: This illusion consists of a rotating spiral pattern of alternating red and white stripes, which create the perception of upward motion even though the pattern itself is rotating.
Wagon wheel illusion: This illusion occurs when a wheel appears to be rotating in the opposite direction of its true motion, due to the interaction between the frequency of the spokes and the frame rate of the video camera..
The Ebbinghaus illusion (also known as Titchener circles) is a perceptual illusion in which the perceived size of a central circle is affected by the size of the surrounding circles. The central circle appears smaller when surrounded by larger circles, and larger when surrounded by smaller circles.
The Delboeuf illusion is similar to the Ebbinghaus illusion, but instead of circles, it uses two concentric circles or rings. The central ring appears larger or smaller depending on the size of the surrounding ring.

References and Resources

In addition to the Moving In and Out Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Also check out this cool example of the crater illusion.