Motion Illusions

Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion

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Are they climbing the stairs illusion

Are They Climbing the Stairs in this illusion? No, in fact, they aren’t moving at all. The stick figures aren’t moving or changing size at any point in the video.

The artists responsible for this design leveraged the principles of Illusory motion, specifically Beta Movement to create this awesome effect.

If you are interested in learning more about how this “Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion” works, scroll down to learn more.

Are they climbing the stairs illusion


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What is the Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion?

The Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion uses the principles of Illusory motion, specifically a concept known as Beta movement to create this effect.

Beta movement is a type of illusionary motion that occurs when two or more stationary images are presented in rapid succession, creating the perception of movement between them. The illusion was first described by German psychologist Max Wertheimer in 1912, as part of his research on the perception of motion.

Beta movement is sometimes referred to as apparent motion or phi phenomenon, and it is similar to other types of illusory motion, such as stroboscopic motion and the wagon-wheel effect. However, beta movement specifically refers to the perception of motion between two or more stationary images that are presented in succession, rather than the motion of a single object.

Beta movement can be created in a number of ways, including by using flashing lights or rapidly alternating images on a screen. The illusion works by exploiting the way that the brain processes visual information, as the brain interprets the rapid succession of images as a continuous movement, even if each individual image is static.

Beta movement has been studied extensively by psychologists and neuroscientists, as it provides insights into the complex ways in which the brain processes visual information and perceives motion. It has also been used in a variety of applications, including in the development of early animation techniques and in the design of visual displays for use in aviation and other high-stakes settings.

How does the Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion Work?

The Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion works using Beta movement which is an illusionary effect that creates the perception of motion between two or more stationary images that are presented in rapid succession. It works by exploiting the way that the brain processes visual information.

When two or more stationary images are presented in rapid succession, the brain interprets the sequence of images as a continuous movement, even though each individual image is static. This is because the brain is wired to look for patterns and connections in visual stimuli, and it uses a process known as temporal integration to create a sense of continuity between the different images.

Temporal integration occurs when the brain combines information from multiple sensory inputs over time to create a unified perceptual experience. In the case of beta movement, the brain integrates the information from each individual image into a single perceptual experience of motion.

The specific mechanisms behind beta movement are still not fully understood, but researchers have identified several key factors that contribute to the illusion. These include the duration of the individual images, the timing between them, and the visual characteristics of the images themselves, such as their brightness, contrast, and color.

Overall, beta movement is a fascinating phenomenon that sheds light on the complex ways in which the brain processes and interprets visual information. It has applications in a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and media technology.

Some Similar Illusions

If you liked the Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion, you should check out this collection of Motion Illusions including Beta Movement, the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion, ,these Colorful Illusory Motion examples,  these cool Black and White Illusory Motion examples.

Discovery of Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion (Beta Movement)

The Are They Climbing the Stairs Illusion uses Beta movement which was first described by the German psychologist Max Wertheimer in 1912, as part of his research on the perception of motion. Wertheimer was interested in understanding how people perceive motion in still images, and he conducted a series of experiments using sequences of stationary images presented in rapid succession.

In one of his most famous experiments, Wertheimer presented two stationary images of dots on a screen, one after the other, with a brief interval of darkness between them. When the dots were arranged in a certain way, the sequence of images created the illusion of a single dot moving back and forth between the two locations.

Wertheimer called this phenomenon “phi movement” and noted that it was a type of illusory motion that occurred due to the way that the brain processes visual information over time. He later referred to this same effect as “beta movement,” and the term has been used ever since to describe the illusion of motion created by sequences of stationary images.

Wertheimer’s work on beta movement was groundbreaking and helped to lay the foundation for modern research on visual perception and sensory processing. His insights into the mechanisms behind the illusion of motion have been applied in a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and media technology.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

The Circles Aren’t Moving

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Circles Aren't Moving

The circles in these illusion aren’t moving at all and they stay the same size through out the video.

The artists responsible for these designs have used the principles of Illusory motion to create these effect.

If you are interested in learning more about how these “circles aren’t moving illusions” work, scroll down to learn more.

Circles Aren't Moving


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What is the The Circles Aren’t Moving?

The Circles Aren’t Moving illusion uses the principles of Illusory motion, also known as motion illusion, to create a cool effect. Illusory motion is a phenomenon in which static images or patterns appear to move or change position. These illusions can be created in a number of ways, such as through the use of contrasting colors or shapes that create the perception of movement, or through the use of repeated patterns that create a sense of motion.

One well-known example of an illusory motion is the famous “rotating snakes” illusion, in which a static image of a series of snakes appears to be rotating continuously. In reality, the image is static and the motion is an illusion created by the way the snakes are drawn.

Another example is the “wagon-wheel effect,” which occurs when a wheel appears to be moving slowly or even in the wrong direction when captured on film or video. This is due to the way that the camera captures individual frames and the speed at which the wheel is spinning relative to the frame rate of the camera.

Illusory motion can be a fascinating area of study for neuroscientists and psychologists, as it provides insights into the ways in which the brain processes visual information and perceives motion.

How does the The Circles Aren’t Moving Work?

The Circles Aren’t Moving uses illusory motion which works by exploiting the way that our brains process visual information. When we look at an image, our brains use a number of cues to interpret the visual scene, including color, contrast, shape, and motion.

When an image contains certain visual cues that are typically associated with motion, our brains may interpret the image as though it is in motion, even if it is actually static. This can occur due to a number of different mechanisms, including:

Contrast: When contrasting colors or shapes are placed next to each other, it can create the illusion of motion as our brains try to make sense of the differences between the two.

Repetition: Repeated patterns or shapes can create the perception of motion, as our brains interpret the repeated elements as a series of movements.

Peripheral vision: Objects that are located in our peripheral vision may appear to move or shift, even if they are not actually in motion, due to the way that our brains process information from this area.

Afterimages: When we stare at an image for a prolonged period of time, our brains may create an afterimage that appears to move or shift, even if the original image was static.

Overall, illusory motion is a fascinating area of study that sheds light on the complex ways in which our brains process and interpret visual information.

Some Similar Illusions

If you liked the The Circles Aren’t Moving Work illusion, you should check out this collection of Motion Illusions including Are They Climbing the Stairs, the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion, ,these Colorful Illusory Motion examples,  these cool Black and White Illusory Motion examples.

Discovery of Illusory Motion

The phenomenon of illusory motion has been observed and studied for centuries, with some of the earliest recorded descriptions dating back to the 17th century. However, it is difficult to attribute the discovery of illusory motion to any one individual, as it has been studied and described by many researchers over the years.

One of the earliest known examples of an illusory motion was described by the Italian mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century. Galileo observed that when two straight lines are placed next to each other, they can appear to be moving in a circular motion, due to the way that the brain processes the visual information.

Other notable researchers who have contributed to the study of illusory motion include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who wrote extensively about optical illusions in his book “Theory of Colours” published in 1810, and Hermann von Helmholtz, a German physicist and physician who conducted experiments on visual perception in the 19th century.

Today, illusory motion continues to be studied and explored by neuroscientists, psychologists, and other researchers interested in the mechanisms behind visual perception and sensory processing.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Reverse Spokes Illusion

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Reverse Spokes Illusions

In this Reverse Spokes Illusion, the wheel is presented as a series of black and white alternating segments.

In realty, the spokes never move, but the changing hues make it appear that they do.

This illusion uses the the principles of apparent motion. If you are interested in reading more about how this Reverse Spokes Illusion works, scroll down to learn more about it.

Reverse Spokes Illusions


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What is the Reverse Spokes Illusion?

In the Reverse Spokes Illusion, the wheel is presented as a series of black and white alternating segments, with each segment containing a single spoke that is slanted in the same direction as the rotation of the wheel.

This illusions demonstrations of the power of visual illusions to deceive our perception of reality. The illusion is often used as a visual demonstration of how our brains can be tricked into perceiving motion in a way that is different from the actual physical movement of an object.

How does the Reverse Spokes Illusion Work?

The Reverse Spokes Illusion works using the principles of apparent motion. Apparent motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which stationary objects appear to move due to the presentation of rapidly alternating images or stimuli. This illusion of motion is created when two or more images are presented in quick succession, with each image slightly different from the previous one.

For example, the classic example of apparent motion is the phi phenomenon, which occurs when two or more stationary lights are presented in a sequence, with each light turning on and off in a pattern. Even though the lights are not moving, they appear to be moving back and forth in a smooth motion, creating the illusion of motion.

Apparent motion is a fundamental phenomenon in the field of visual perception, and it is used in various applications, such as animation, film, and advertising. The study of apparent motion has contributed to our understanding of how the brain processes visual information and how it creates the perception of motion from static images.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the Reverse Spokes Illusion in that they create the perception of motion where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. Motion aftereffect: This is an illusion in which a stationary object appears to be moving in the opposite direction of a previously viewed moving object. It occurs because the neurons in the visual system that respond to motion become fatigued after prolonged exposure to a moving stimulus, causing them to respond less to the motion and creating the perception of motion in the opposite direction.
  2. Autokinetic effect: This is an illusion in which a stationary point of light appears to move randomly in the dark. It occurs because the visual system relies on contextual information to determine motion and direction, but in the absence of external cues, the brain creates its own movement signals.
  3. Rotating snakes illusion: This is an illusion in which a static image of a series of interconnected circles appears to be rotating, pulsating, or expanding. It occurs because the arrangement of the circles creates a pattern that stimulates the visual system and triggers a response that is similar to the response to actual motion.
  4. Barberpole illusion: This is an illusion in which a striped pattern appears to be moving in a certain direction, even though the stripes themselves are stationary. It occurs because the pattern of diagonal stripes creates an ambiguous motion signal that can be interpreted in different ways by the visual system.

These illusions, like apparent motion, demonstrate the complex and often surprising ways in which our brains process and interpret visual information.

Discovery of the Reverse Spokes Illusion

The Reverse Spokes Illusion uses the phenomenon of apparent motion which was first discovered and studied by Max Wertheimer, a German psychologist who is known as one of the founders of Gestalt psychology. In 1912, Wertheimer conducted a series of experiments on the perception of motion, in which he presented subjects with a series of flashing lights in a certain pattern, and found that they perceived the lights as moving in a smooth, continuous motion.

Wertheimer called this phenomenon “phi phenomenon,” after the Greek letter phi, which is used to represent the ratio of two quantities that produce a pattern of motion. The phi phenomenon became one of the foundational discoveries of Gestalt psychology, which sought to understand how the mind organizes and interprets sensory information into meaningful patterns.

Since Wertheimer’s discovery, the study of apparent motion has been a major area of research in the field of visual perception, and has led to important insights into the way the brain processes motion and form information.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Motion Binding Illusion

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Motion Bind Illusions

In this motion blinding illusion, at first, the two sets of lines appear to move independently of each other. However, as soon as the squares are added, all of the lines appear to be moving in a coordinated fashion.

This effect is due to the motion binding illusion where your brain lets the motion of object or set of objects impact how you perceive the motion of other objects.

If you are interested in reading more about motion binding illusions, scroll down to learn some more about it.

Motion Bind Illusions
Created by Michael Bach


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What is the Motion Binding Illusion?

The motion binding illusion is caused by the interaction of multiple moving objects, where the motion of one object influences how we perceive the motion of another object. This is known as the motion assimilation effect.

For example, if two rows of dots are moving in opposite directions, but at the same speed, the dots will appear to be stationary. However, if one row of dots is moving faster than the other, the dots in the slower row will appear to move in the opposite direction. This occurs because the motion of the faster row influences how the brain perceives the motion of the slower row.

How does the Motion Binding Illusion Work?

The motion binding illusion works by taking advantage of the way that the human visual system processes motion information. When we see objects moving, the brain uses several cues to determine the direction and speed of the motion. These cues include changes in luminance (brightness), color, texture, and position over time.

In the case of the motion binding illusion, the brain is presented with multiple moving objects that have different shapes, colors, or textures. When these objects are presented in rapid succession, the brain processes them as a single object that is moving in a particular direction and at a particular speed. This is because the brain automatically tries to “smooth out” the motion information it receives by averaging the motion signals from all the objects in the visual field.

As a result, when one object appears to move in a particular direction, the brain will tend to perceive the other objects as moving in the same direction, even if they are actually stationary or moving in a different direction. This is known as the motion assimilation effect, and it is what creates the illusion of motion binding.

There are several factors that can influence the strength of the motion binding illusion, including the speed and direction of the moving objects, the size and shape of the objects, and the surrounding environment. Overall, the motion binding illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain processes visual information to create our perception of motion and movement in the world around us.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several similar illusions to the motion binding illusion that take advantage of the way our brains process motion information. Here are a few examples:

  1. Motion aftereffect: This illusion occurs when you look at a moving object for an extended period of time and then look at a stationary object. The stationary object will appear to be moving in the opposite direction to the original moving object. This illusion is caused by the way the brain adapts to prolonged exposure to motion stimuli.
  2. Motion-induced blindness: This illusion occurs when a stationary object becomes invisible or disappears when surrounded by a moving pattern. This is thought to occur because the brain selectively filters out motion signals in order to focus on more important information.
  3. Apparent motion: This illusion occurs when two stationary objects are presented in rapid succession in slightly different locations, creating the perception of a single object moving back and forth between the two locations. This illusion is similar to the motion binding illusion, but it involves stationary objects instead of moving ones.
  4. Phi phenomenon: This illusion occurs when a series of stationary lights are presented in rapid succession in a particular sequence, creating the perception of a single light moving back and forth between the different locations. This illusion is similar to the apparent motion illusion but with light stimuli.

Overall, these illusions all involve the perception of motion in the absence of actual movement. They highlight the complex processes that the brain uses to interpret visual information and create our perception of the world around us.

Discovery of the Motion Binding Illusion

The concept of motion binding, also known as motion assimilation or motion pooling, has been studied by many scientists over the years. However, one of the earliest and most influential studies on this phenomenon was conducted by the German psychologist Max Wertheimer.

In the early 1900s, Wertheimer and his colleagues conducted a series of experiments on the perception of apparent motion. They found that when two stationary objects were presented in rapid succession with a brief interval between them, the objects appeared to move back and forth between their locations, creating the perception of motion.

Wertheimer’s work laid the foundation for the study of motion perception and paved the way for later research on motion binding and other related phenomena. Today, motion binding continues to be an active area of research in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and computer vision, as scientists seek to better understand the mechanisms underlying visual motion processing in the human brain.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Dual Axis Illusion

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Dual Axis Illusion

This dual-axis illusion was designed by Frank Force and was created in 2019

In this dual axis illusion, the shape that appears to spin horizontally or vertically depending on how you look at it.


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What is the Dual Axis Illusion?

In this dual axis illusion, the shape that appears to spin horizontally or vertically depending on how you look at it.

How does the Dual Axis Illusion Work?

The dual axis illusion is a type of paradox illusion.

A paradox illusion is a type of visual illusion that presents an image or scenario that appears to be logically impossible or contradictory. These illusions are created by manipulating various visual cues, such as perspective, shape, size, and color, in a way that contradicts our expectations of what we know to be true.

One example of a paradox illusion is the “Penrose Triangle,” which is a two-dimensional drawing that depicts a triangular object with three prongs that appear to connect to each other in a way that defies the laws of geometry. Another example is the “Escherian Stairwell,” which is a video that appears to show people walking up and down a staircase that defies gravity by looping back on itself in an impossible way.

Paradox illusions can be fascinating and entertaining to look at, as they challenge our understanding of reality and our ability to perceive it accurately. They are often used in art and design to create visually striking and thought-provoking images and designs. They have also been used in scientific research to study the mechanisms of visual perception and to gain insights into how the brain processes complex visual information.

Some Similar Illusions

Here are some illusions that are similar to the dual axis illusion.

  1. The Penrose Triangle: This is a two-dimensional drawing that depicts a triangular object with three prongs that appear to connect to each other in a way that defies the laws of geometry. It creates the illusion of a three-dimensional object that can’t actually exist in physical space.
  2. The Impossible Cube: This is a three-dimensional drawing that depicts a cube that appears to have impossible geometry. The sides of the cube seem to be both inside and outside at the same time, creating a paradoxical illusion.
  3. The Escherian Stairwell: This is a video that appears to show people walking up and down a staircase that defies gravity by looping back on itself in an impossible way. This creates the illusion of an endless staircase that never actually gets anywhere.
  4. The Hering Illusion: This is an optical illusion that creates the illusion of parallel lines that appear to be bent or curved. This is caused by the way that the lines are positioned against a background of converging lines.
  5. The Cafe Wall Illusion: This is an optical illusion that creates the illusion of a staggered pattern of black and white tiles that appear to be sloping in opposite directions. In reality, the tiles are perfectly straight and parallel.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of paradox illusions that exist. They are fascinating and entertaining to look at, and can challenge our understanding of reality and our ability to perceive it accurately.

Discovery of the Dual Axis Illusion

The dual-axis illusion was designed by Frank Force.

Frank Force is a software engineer and game developer who is known for creating a wide variety of games, tools, and visual illusions using code. He has a background in computer science and has worked as a professional software engineer for over a decade. Force is particularly known for his work in game development, and has created a number of popular games and game engines using a variety of programming languages and platforms.

In addition to his work in game development, Frank Force has also gained attention for his visual illusions, including the “Dual Axis Illusion” and the “Reverse Spoke Illusion,” which he created using code to generate animations that create optical illusions. His illusions have been widely shared on social media and have been featured in various media outlets.

Overall, Frank Force is a versatile and creative programmer and developer who has made significant contributions to the fields of game development, software engineering, and visual perception.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Black Blob Illusion

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Black Blob Illusion

This is the Black Blob illusion created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka.

It is a visual illusion that features a circular black shape on top of a black and white checkerboard pattern. When viewed, the black blog appears to “bleed” into the surrounding space, creating the illusion of a black blob that is growing.

Stare at the back blob in the center of the image and slowly watch it expand and consume more and more of the surrounding design.

After checking out the illusion, scroll down to learn a bit more about how it works.

Black Blob Illusion
Created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka


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What is the Black Blob Illusion?

The “Black Blob” illusion is a visual illusion that features a circular black shape on top of a black and white checkerboard pattern.

When viewed, the blob appears to “bleed” into the surrounding checkerboard area, creating the illusion of a growing blob.

This illusion is an example of how our brain processes visual information and can be influenced by context and surrounding stimuli.

How does the Black Blob Illusion Work?

The “Black Blob” illusion works because of a phenomenon called lateral inhibition, which is a process by which neurons in the retina and visual system inhibit the activity of their neighboring neurons. This process allows our eyes and brain to detect edges and boundaries between different regions of light and dark.

In the case of the Black Blob illusion, the black and white checkerboard pattern in the center of the image creates a high contrast boundary that triggers lateral inhibition. This means that the neurons responsible for detecting the black and white areas of the checkerboard pattern inhibit the activity of their neighboring neurons in the white background.

As a result, the white background appears to be darker than it actually is, which creates the illusion of a black blob around the edges of the checkerboard pattern. This effect is enhanced by the fact that the black and white pattern is circular, which reinforces the perception of a circular boundary between light and dark.

Overall, the illusion is a fascinating example of how our brain processes visual information and how our perception can be influenced by surrounding stimuli.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many similar illusions to the “Black Blob” illusion that demonstrate how our perception can be influenced by context and surrounding stimuli. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mach bands: Mach bands are a phenomenon where our eyes exaggerate the contrast between adjacent areas of light and dark. This creates the illusion of stripes or bands of light and dark around the edges of objects.
  2. White’s illusion: White’s illusion is a geometric illusion where two identical gray squares are surrounded by different shades of gray. This creates the illusion that the two squares are different shades of gray, when in fact they are the same.
  3. Kanizsa triangle: The Kanizsa triangle is an illusion where three Pac-Man-like shapes arranged in a triangle create the perception of a white triangle in the center. However, there is no actual triangle there; it is an illusion created by the surrounding shapes.
  4. Hering illusion: The Hering illusion is a visual illusion where straight lines appear curved when they are placed on a background of parallel lines.
  5. Ebbinghaus illusion: The Ebbinghaus illusion is a size illusion where a circle appears larger or smaller depending on the size of the surrounding circles.

These illusions, like the “Black Blob” illusion, demonstrate how our perception can be influenced by context, surrounding stimuli, and the way our brain processes visual information.

Discovery of the Black Blob Illusion

This illusion was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka.

Akiyoshi Kitaoka is a Japanese psychologist and professor of psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

He is known for his research on visual perception, particularly his work on optical illusions and visual art. Kitaoka has created a number of famous optical illusions, including the “Black Blob” illusion and the “Rotating Snakes” illusion.

He has also published numerous scientific papers on visual perception and optical illusions, and his work has been featured in various scientific and popular media outlets.

Kitaoka’s contributions to the field of visual perception have helped to deepen our understanding of how the brain processes visual information and how our perception can be influenced by context and surrounding stimuli.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

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Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

This Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion by Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown uses illusory motion to create the perception that the colorful octopus is actually moving.

Stare at the design and you’ll see the octopus appear to move slightly as if it was naturally swaying in an ocean current.

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place. If you are interested, scroll down to learn more about it.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion
Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown


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What is Illusory Motion in the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion?

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place.

Illusory motion can be caused by a variety of visual cues, including patterns of light and shadow, color gradients, and geometrical shapes. One well-known example of illusory motion is the motion aftereffect, also known as the waterfall illusion. This occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image, such as a waterfall, for an extended period of time. Afterward, when they view a stationary image, such as a static picture of a landscape, it appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

Another example of illusory motion is the peripheral drift illusion, in which a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes appears to be moving in a circular or spiral pattern. This illusion is thought to be caused by the way in which the visual system processes information from the peripheral areas of the retina.

Illusory motion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion, even when there is no actual movement taking place. It is also a useful tool for studying the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.

How does Illusory Motion in the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion Work?

Illusory motion works by exploiting the way in which the brain processes visual information. The visual system is composed of a complex network of neurons that are responsible for processing different aspects of the visual scene, such as color, shape, and motion.

When an image is presented to the eyes, it is first processed by the retina, which converts the light into neural signals that are sent to the brain. These signals are then transmitted to different areas of the visual cortex, where they are further processed and integrated into a coherent representation of the visual scene.

Illusory motion occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place. This can happen in several different ways, depending on the specific type of illusion being experienced.

For example, the motion aftereffect illusion occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image for an extended period of time. This causes the neurons in the visual system that respond to motion to adapt and become less responsive to the original direction of motion. When the person then views a stationary image, the neurons that respond to motion in the opposite direction become more active, leading to the perception of motion in the opposite direction.

Similarly, the peripheral drift illusion occurs when a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes is presented to the eyes. The stripes create a pattern that mimics the motion of a rotating spiral or circle, tricking the brain into perceiving motion.

In both cases, the illusion is created by manipulating the way in which the visual system processes information. By understanding how illusory motion works, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.


Some Similar Illusions to the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

If you liked the the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion, you should check out these Colorful Illusory Motion examples and these cool Black and White Illusory Motion examples.

Discovery of Illusory Motion

The phenomenon of illusory motion has been known for centuries, and many different individuals have contributed to its discovery and study. However, it is difficult to credit any one person with its discovery, as it has been studied by many researchers from a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and visual arts.

One early example of illusory motion can be seen in the work of the ancient Greek artist Zeuxis, who was known for creating paintings that appeared to be moving. In the modern era, researchers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Joseph Plateau, and Ernst Mach made significant contributions to the study of illusory motion, laying the groundwork for later work in psychology and neuroscience.

Today, illusory motion continues to be a subject of ongoing research and study, and many researchers from around the world are actively working to uncover the underlying mechanisms and implications of this fascinating perceptual phenomenon. While the discovery of illusory motion cannot be attributed to any one individual, its study and exploration has been a collaborative effort across many different fields of research.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

Cool Moving Color Contrast Illusion

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In this Cool Moving Color Contrast Illusion the moving ball never changes color. It appears to change because the background changes. This illusion is sometimes called the Chromatic Motion Illusion as well.

Check it out and then scroll down to learn more about how it works.


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What is the Moving Color Contrast Illusion?

The Moving Color Contrast Illusion is a type of anomalous motion illusion that involves a stationary object appearing to move or change color due to changes in the surrounding colors. This illusion is created by presenting a colored object on a background of different colors that are changing in brightness or saturation.

When the colors in the background change, they create a contrast with the stationary object, which can make it appear to move in the opposite direction. For example, if a blue square is presented on a background of yellow and green stripes that are oscillating in brightness, the blue square may appear to move up and down or back and forth, even though it is actually stationary. It can also have the effect of making an object appear to change color when it moves across a varied background.

This illusion is thought to occur because the brain is constantly processing information about color and contrast in the visual field, and it uses this information to create a sense of motion and direction. The Moving Color Contrast Illusion is a striking example of how the brain can be fooled by visual cues and how illusions can provide insights into the workings of the visual system.

How does the Moving Color Contrast Illusion Work?


The Moving Color Contrast Illusion works by exploiting the way the visual system processes information about color and contrast in the visual field.

When an object is presented on a background of changing colors, it creates a contrast that can affect how the brain perceives the object’s position and color. Specifically, the brain may interpret the contrast as motion in the opposite direction, even though the object is stationary. This is because the visual system is constantly trying to create a coherent representation of the world around us, and it uses cues like color and contrast to do so.

The precise mechanism behind the Moving Color Contrast Illusion is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve interactions between different processing pathways in the brain, including those that are involved in color perception and motion processing. By studying illusions like this, scientists and researchers can gain a better understanding of how the visual system works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the Moving Color Contrast Illusion in that they involve the perception of motion or color change where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Waterfall Illusion: In this illusion, a stationary image of a waterfall appears to be moving upwards after the viewer has been looking at it for a certain amount of time.
  2. The Motion Aftereffect: This illusion occurs when a viewer looks at a moving pattern for a certain amount of time, and then looks at a stationary pattern, causing the stationary pattern to appear to move in the opposite direction.
  3. The Pinna-Brelstaff Illusion: This illusion involves a set of spirals that are superimposed on top of each other, creating the impression of motion.
  4. The Rotating Snakes Illusion: This illusion features a set of snakes that appear to be rotating in a circle, even though they are actually stationary.
  5. The Peripheral Drift Illusion: In this illusion, a set of black and white lines appears to be rotating around a central point, even though the lines are actually stationary.

All of these illusions, including the Moving Color Contrast Illusion, demonstrate how the brain can be fooled by visual cues and how our perception of motion can be influenced by the visual context in which it occurs.

Discovery of the Moving Color Contrast Illusion

The Moving Color Contrast Illusion, also known as the Chromatic Motion Illusion, was first described by the Italian psychologist, Giovanni Caputo, in a paper published in 1998. Caputo’s paper described an experiment in which participants viewed a stationary, colored disc surrounded by a flickering colored ring. When the colors of the disc and the ring were different, participants reported that the disc appeared to move in the opposite direction of the flickering ring, even though it was physically stationary.

Caputo’s work has been built upon by many other researchers since its initial publication, and the Moving Color Contrast Illusion has become a well-known and widely studied phenomenon in the field of perception and cognition. Today, the illusion is still the subject of ongoing research, and scientists continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms that give rise to the perception of motion in the absence of physical movement.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Anomalous Motion Illusions

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anomalous motion illusion

These cool Anomalous motion illusions are visual illusions that occurs when an object appears to move in a way that is unexpected or impossible based on the laws of physics.

Check out this collection of cool Anomalous Motion Illusions then scroll down to learn more about how Anomalous Motion Illusions work.

Stare at each of these illusions and watch them move, but trust us, they are all static images!

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anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
Mardi Gras Spiral Illusion
Mardi Gras Illusions


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What are Anomalous Motion Illusions?

An anomalous motion illusion is a type of visual illusion that occurs when an object appears to move in a way that is unexpected or impossible based on the laws of physics. Anomalous motion illusions can be caused by a variety of perceptual factors, including motion aftereffects, contrast effects, and other visual illusions.

One common type of anomalous motion illusion is the waterfall illusion, in which an observer views a continuously moving waterfall for a period of time and then looks at a stationary object, such as a rock or a wall. The stationary object will appear to move in the opposite direction of the waterfall, creating the illusion of anomalous motion.

Another example is the rotating snakes illusion, in which a pattern of concentric circles appears to be rotating continuously, even though it is actually a static image. This illusion is caused by the way in which the circles are arranged and colored, which creates a perceptual effect that makes them appear to be in motion.

Anomalous motion illusions are interesting to scientists and researchers because they can provide insights into the workings of the visual system and the brain. By studying the ways in which the brain processes visual information and creates illusions of motion, researchers can gain a better understanding of how perception works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

How do Anomalous Motion Illusions Work?

Anomalous motion illusions work by exploiting the way in which the human visual system processes and interprets visual information. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including motion aftereffects, contrast effects, and other perceptual factors.

One common cause of is the motion aftereffect, which occurs when the brain adapts to a particular direction of motion and then perceives subsequent motion in the opposite direction. For example, if an observer views a moving stimulus that is predominantly moving upwards for a period of time, the neurons in the visual system that respond to upward motion will become fatigued, causing the observer to perceive subsequent motion as moving downwards.

Contrast effects can also contribute to the illusion. When an observer views a pattern of alternating light and dark areas, the perceived brightness and contrast of each area can be influenced by the surrounding areas. This can create the illusion of motion or movement, even when the stimulus is static.

Other perceptual factors, such as the arrangement of shapes or colors, can also create anomalous motion illusions. For example, the rotating snakes illusion is caused by the way in which the circles are arranged and colored, creating a perceptual effect that makes them appear to be in motion.

Overall, anomalous motion illusions occur because the human visual system is constantly interpreting and processing visual information in order to construct our sense of reality. By exploiting the limitations and quirks of this system, illusions can create the perception of motion and movement that is not actually present in the stimulus.


Some Similar Illusions

There are many different types of illusions that are similar to anomalous motion illusions. Here are some examples:

  1. Motion aftereffects: These illusions occur when the brain adapts to a particular direction of motion and then perceives subsequent motion in the opposite direction. For example, after watching a moving stimulus for a period of time, an observer may perceive subsequent motion as moving in the opposite direction.
  2. Stroboscopic effects: These illusions occur when an object is viewed through a series of rapid flashes of light. The object may appear to be in motion, even though it is actually moving in a series of discrete steps.
  3. Phi phenomenon: This illusion occurs when an observer perceives a series of stationary objects as moving due to the way they are presented in sequence. For example, a series of lights flashing in sequence may be perceived as moving along a line.
  4. Size-contrast illusions: These illusions occur when an object appears larger or smaller depending on the size of the objects around it. For example, a circle surrounded by smaller circles may appear larger than a circle surrounded by larger circles.
  5. Color-contrast illusions: These illusions occur when the perceived color of an object is influenced by the colors surrounding it. For example, a gray square surrounded by a white background may appear darker than the same square surrounded by a black background.

Overall, illusions are fascinating phenomena that can provide insights into the workings of the visual system and the brain. By studying the ways in which illusions are created and perceived, scientists and researchers can gain a better understanding of how perception works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

Discovery of Anomalous Motion Illusions

Anomalous motion illusions have been observed and studied by scientists and researchers for many years, and it is difficult to attribute their discovery to a single person. However, the study of visual illusions has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and the work of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. In more recent times, scientists and psychologists have been studying illusions and the visual system for centuries.

One of the earliest researchers to study anomalous motion illusions was German physiologist Johann Friedrich Horner, who published a study on the phenomenon in 1860. In the early 20th century, British psychologist Frederick Bartlett conducted extensive research on visual illusions, including anomalous motion illusions. Since then, many researchers and scientists have contributed to the study of illusions and the visual system, and the field continues to evolve and expand today.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Rotating Horse Illusion

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Rotating Horse Illusion

The Rotating Horse Optical Illusion is a visual illusion in which a static image of a horse appears to be rotating on its own. The illusion was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003.

So, check out the illusion below and decide for yourself which way you think the horse is rating.

Afterwards, scroll down and learn more about how the illusion works.

Rotating Horse Illusion
Rotating Horse Illusion


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What is the Rotating Horse Illusion?

The Rotating Horse Illusion is a visual illusion in which a static image of a horse appears to be rotating on its own. The illusion was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003 and is similar to the Spinning Dancer illusion.

In the illusion, the horse appears to be standing on a checkered pattern background. However, the checkered pattern is not stationary; instead, it is made up of several diagonal lines that are slightly curved. When the image is viewed, the curved lines create an optical illusion that causes the horse to appear to be rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

The illusion works because of the way our visual system processes and interprets information. The curved lines in the checkered pattern create an effect known as the “Pinna-Brelstaff illusion,” which tricks the brain into perceiving motion where there is none. This illusion is similar to the motion seen in a barber pole, where the stripes appear to be moving even though they are not.

The illusion is a popular example of a type of optical illusion known as a “peripheral drift illusion,” which creates the impression of motion by exploiting the way our eyes and brain process visual information. It is a fascinating example of how our brains can be tricked into seeing something that is not really there.

How does the Rotating Horse Illusion Work?

The Rotating Horse Illusion works by exploiting the way our visual system processes and interprets information. The illusion is created by combining a static image of a horse with a checkered pattern background that is composed of several diagonal lines that are slightly curved.

When we look at the image, our brain tries to make sense of the visual information by interpreting the patterns and colors that we see. However, the curved lines in the checkered pattern create an effect known as the “Pinna-Brelstaff illusion,” which tricks our brain into perceiving motion where there is none.

The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion occurs because the curved lines create a conflicting visual signal that our brain cannot easily resolve. The diagonal lines in the checkered pattern suggest motion in one direction, while the curvature of the lines suggests motion in another direction. As a result, our brain interprets the image as rotating in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though the image itself is static.

This illusion is similar to the motion seen in a barber pole or a zoetrope, where a series of static images creates the illusion of motion. In the case of the this Illusion, the static image of the horse combined with the curved lines in the checkered pattern creates an optical illusion that tricks our brain into perceiving motion where there is none.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many illusions that are similar to the Rotating Horse Illusion in that they exploit the way our visual system processes and interprets information to create the impression of motion. Some examples of similar illusions include:

  1. Pinwheel Illusion: In this illusion, a static image of a pinwheel appears to be rotating due to the arrangement of the spokes.
  2. Spinning Dancer Illusion: This illusion features a silhouette of a dancer that appears to be spinning either clockwise or counterclockwise.
  3. Motion Aftereffect Illusion: This illusion occurs when we stare at a moving object for a prolonged period and then look at a stationary object, which appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
  4. Wagon-Wheel Illusion: This illusion occurs when a spoked wheel appears to be rotating in the opposite direction of its actual motion due to the way the spokes are arranged.
  5. Peripheral Drift Illusion: This illusion features a static pattern that appears to be in motion due to the arrangement of the lines and shapes.

All of these illusions rely on the way our brain processes visual information and can be fascinating examples of how our perception of the world around us can be influenced and distorted by visual cues.

Discovery of the Rotating Horse Illusion

The Rotating Horse Illusion that is popularly known today was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003. Kitaoka is well-known for creating many optical illusions, and the Rotating Horse Illusion is one of his most famous works.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.