Moving Ball Illusion

Moving Ball Illusion

This Moving Ball Illusion uses illusory motion to create the perception that the ball is actually moving.

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.

Moving Ball Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Moving Ball Illusion?

The Moving Ball Illusion is an example of illusory motion which refers to the perception of movement or motion in a visual stimulus that is actually static or stationary. It is a phenomenon where our brains interpret the visual input in a way that creates a false sense of motion.

Illusory motion like the Moving Ball Illusion can occur through various mechanisms and visual cues, including:

  1. Motion Aftereffect: This is a common form of illusory motion where prolonged exposure to a moving stimulus causes a subsequent stationary stimulus to appear to move in the opposite direction. For example, after staring at a waterfall for a while, a static scene may appear to flow upwards.
  2. Phi Phenomenon: The phi phenomenon is an illusion of apparent motion that occurs when a series of still images are presented rapidly in succession. It creates the perception of motion between the images, even though each individual image is static.
  3. Peripheral Drift Illusion: As mentioned earlier, the peripheral drift illusion creates the perception of motion in a static pattern when viewed peripherally, with elements like radiating lines or concentric circles appearing to rotate or drift.
  4. Autokinetic Effect: The autokinetic effect is an illusion of motion experienced when looking at a stationary point of light in an otherwise dark environment. The light appears to move or “twinkle” slightly, even though it is stationary.

In addition to the Moving Ball Illusion, these are just a few examples of illusory motion phenomena. Illusory motion illustrates how our visual system can be influenced by various factors and interpret static stimuli as dynamic or moving. It demonstrates the complexities of visual perception and the brain’s ability to construct a coherent representation of the world based on limited sensory input.

How does the Moving Ball Illusion Work?

Illusory motion like the Moving Ball Illusion occurs due to the complex processing and interpretation of visual stimuli by our brain. While the specific mechanisms can vary depending on the particular illusion, here are some general processes that contribute to illusory motion:

  1. Neural Adaptation: Our visual system has neurons that are specialized in detecting and processing motion. When exposed to a moving stimulus for an extended period, these motion-sensitive neurons adapt and become less responsive to the specific motion. As a result, when presented with a stationary stimulus afterward, there can be a mismatch between the adapted neurons and the actual input.
  2. Interactions between Neural Pathways: Illusory motion often involves interactions between different neural pathways responsible for detecting motion, processing visual cues, and integrating information. These interactions can create conflicts or discrepancies in the signals being processed, leading to the perception of motion where none exists.
  3. Contextual Information: Our brain relies on contextual cues to make sense of visual stimuli. Illusory motion can be influenced by factors such as surrounding patterns, contrast, spatial frequencies, and the overall context in which the stimulus is presented. These contextual cues can trigger certain expectations or biases, leading to the perception of motion.
  4. Eye Movements: In some cases, illusory motion may be enhanced or influenced by our eye movements. Fixating on a specific point while observing a dynamic stimulus or shifting gaze across the scene can impact how our brain processes motion information, potentially contributing to illusory motion effects.

The exact mechanisms underlying specific illusions of motion, such as the motion aftereffect or the autokinetic effect, can involve a combination of these factors and others. Different illusions may have unique characteristics and neural processes at play.

Illusory motion like evidenced in the Moving Ball Illusion highlights the sophisticated nature of our visual perception and how our brain constructs a coherent representation of the visual world. It demonstrates how our brain can be deceived by certain patterns, contexts, or adaptational processes, leading to the compelling illusion of motion.

Some Similar Illusions to the Moving Ball Illusion

There are several illusions that share similarities with illusory motion seen in the moving ball illusion in terms of creating the perception of movement or dynamic effects. Here are a few examples:

  1. Stroboscopic Motion: Stroboscopic motion involves perceiving continuous motion from a series of discrete or intermittent stimuli. For example, the phi phenomenon, mentioned earlier, creates the perception of motion between static images presented in rapid succession.
  2. Wagon-Wheel Effect: The wagon-wheel effect is observed when the spokes of a rotating wheel or a propeller appear to move slowly or even backward. It occurs due to the interaction between the rotational speed of the object and the sampling rate of our visual system.
  3. Barberpole Illusion: The barberpole illusion is an optical illusion where a vertically oriented barber pole, with alternating red and white stripes, appears to move upward or downward even though it is stationary. The perceived motion is a result of the diagonal stripes presented at an angle.
  4. Waterfall Illusion: The waterfall illusion, also known as the motion aftereffect, involves a stationary scene appearing to move in the opposite direction after prolonged exposure to a downward moving stimulus, such as a waterfall. It occurs due to neural adaptation in the motion-sensitive neurons of the visual system.
  5. Pulfrich Effect: The Pulfrich effect occurs when a moving object in a 2D plane appears to have a perceived depth or a swinging motion. It is created by introducing a slight time delay between the perception of the object by each eye, typically achieved using a light filter.

These illusions, like illusory motion, exploit the complex interactions between visual processing, motion perception, and contextual cues. They demonstrate the intricate ways in which our visual system can be influenced, leading to compelling illusions of motion or dynamic effects.

Discovery of the Moving Ball Illusion

Illusory motion like demonstrated in the moving ball illusion, as a phenomenon in visual perception, does not have a specific inventor or creator. Illusory motion has been observed and studied by numerous scientists, psychologists, and researchers over the years. The discovery and understanding of different types of illusory motion have emerged through the collective efforts of scientists working in the field of visual perception and neuroscience.

The study of illusory motion has a rich history, and contributions have been made by researchers from various disciplines. Scientists such as Max Wertheimer, Ernst Mach, Adelbert Ames Jr., and many others have made significant contributions to our understanding of visual illusions and the perception of motion.

It’s important to note that the study of illusory motion is an ongoing field of research, with new insights and discoveries continually emerging. Researchers continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms and neural processes involved in generating illusory motion effects, enhancing our understanding of this fascinating aspect of visual perception.


References and Resources

In addition to the Moving Ball Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome similar illusions: Platform 9 3-4, Moving Diamond

Moving Ball Illusion

Moving Diamond Illusion

Moving Diamond Illusion

This Moving Diamond Illusion is an example of peripheral drift. The peripheral drift illusion, also known as the Fraser-Wilcox illusion, is a visual phenomenon that creates the perception of motion or apparent movement in static images. It involves a specific pattern consisting of radiating lines or concentric circles that appear to rotate or move when observed peripherally.

Moving Diamond Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Moving Diamond Illusion?

The Moving Diamond Illusion is a type of peripheral drift illusion, also known as the Fraser-Wilcox illusion, which is a visual phenomenon that creates the perception of motion or apparent movement in static images. It involves a specific pattern consisting of radiating lines or concentric circles that appear to rotate or move when observed peripherally.

Here’s how the peripheral drift illusion typically works:

  1. Visual Stimulus: The illusion often involves a design with radial lines or concentric circles that extend from a central point.
  2. Fixation: When you focus your gaze directly on the central point of the pattern, the lines or circles may appear stationary.
  3. Peripheral Vision: As you shift your gaze or direct your attention to the outer edges of the pattern while keeping your eyes still, you may perceive an illusory sense of motion. The lines or circles might seem to rotate, drift, or pulsate in a continuous manner.

The peripheral drift illusion relies on the interaction between our eye movements, visual perception, and the specific design characteristics of the pattern. The illusory motion experienced in the periphery is thought to be related to the way our visual system processes motion and spatial information.

Moving Diamond Illusion can vary in its strength and effectiveness from person to person, and different variations of the illusion may produce slightly different perceptual experiences.

How does the Moving Diamond Illusion Work?

The Moving Diamond Illusion is a type of peripheral drift illusions and the exact mechanisms underlying the peripheral drift illusion are still a subject of scientific investigation. However, there are several theories and explanations that attempt to shed light on how this illusion works. Here are some key factors that contribute to the perception of motion in the peripheral drift illusion:

  1. Eye Movements: The peripheral drift illusion often involves fixating on a central point while allowing your eyes to move or scan the periphery of the pattern. These eye movements play a crucial role in generating the illusion of motion. As your eyes move, they sample different parts of the image, which can create an impression of movement.
  2. Peripheral Vision: Our peripheral vision is sensitive to detecting motion. It is more responsive to changes in contrast and edges than to fine details. The lines or patterns in the peripheral drift illusion are carefully designed to exploit this characteristic. The specific arrangement of lines or circles, along with their contrast and spatial frequency, can trigger the perception of motion in the periphery.
  3. Contrast and Spatial Frequency: The contrast and spatial frequency of the pattern elements can influence the strength of the illusion. Optimal contrast and specific spatial frequencies are often employed to enhance the perception of motion. These characteristics can stimulate motion-sensitive neurons in the visual system, leading to the illusory experience of movement.
  4. Neural Adaptation: The phenomenon of neural adaptation may also contribute to the peripheral drift illusion. When you fixate on a central point for a prolonged period, neurons in the visual system become less responsive to constant stimulation. As a result, when you shift your attention to the periphery, these “fatigued” neurons might respond more weakly to the stationary pattern, enhancing the perception of motion.

Peripheral drift illusions like Moving Diamond Illusion are still an active area of research, and different theories may offer slightly different explanations for the underlying mechanisms. Further studies are needed to fully understand the complex interplay of neural processes and visual cues involved in generating this intriguing illusion.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that share similarities with the The Moving Diamond Illusion in terms of creating the perception of motion or movement. Here are a few examples:

  1. Rotating Snakes Illusion: The Rotating Snakes Illusion is an optical illusion created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka. It features a series of overlapping patterns that appear to rotate spontaneously when observed. The illusory motion arises due to the interaction between the curved elements and our eye movements.
  2. Pinna-Brelstaff Illusion: This illusion involves a pattern of radiating lines or shapes arranged in a spiral or vortex-like formation. When observed while moving closer or farther away from the image, the pattern may appear to rotate in the opposite direction. The perceived motion is a result of the conflicting depth and motion cues presented in the visual stimulus.
  3. Enigma Illusion: The Enigma illusion is a dynamic pattern composed of various elements, including concentric circles, lines, and spirals. When viewed peripherally, the pattern seems to pulsate or vibrate subtly. The illusion exploits the receptive field properties of our visual system to create the impression of motion.
  4. Lilac Chaser Illusion: The Lilac Chaser is an optical illusion that involves a sequence of fading colored discs arranged in a circle. When you fixate on the central empty space, a green disc appears to disappear and reappear while the surrounding discs rotate in a circular motion. The illusion occurs due to the combination of color afterimages and the perception of motion.

These illusions, like the The Moving Diamond Illusion, rely on various visual cues, eye movements, and neural processes to create the perception of motion or dynamic patterns. They demonstrate the intricate ways in which our visual system processes and interprets visual stimuli, sometimes leading to intriguing perceptual experiences.

Discovery of the Moving Diamond Illusion

The Moving Diamond Illusion is a type of peripheral drift illusion, also known as the Fraser-Wilcox illusion, was discovered by two psychologists, Donald Fraser and Terence Wilcox, in 1979. Donald Fraser, a psychologist at the University of Cambridge, and Terence Wilcox, a psychologist at the University of Toronto, independently reported their observations of the illusion in separate publications.

Fraser initially described the illusion as a “rotating spiral,” while Wilcox referred to it as the “radiating spokes effect.” Both researchers conducted experiments and provided insights into the perceptual mechanisms underlying the illusion. Their contributions helped bring attention to this intriguing visual phenomenon and sparked further research into its underlying mechanisms.


References and Resources

In addition to the Moving Diamond Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome similar illusions: Platform 9 3-4 Illusion

Tiger Tail Illusion

Tiger Tail Illusion

In this Tiger Tail Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, try to catch all the yellow dots in your field of vision at the same time. It’s hard to catch a tiger by the tail, in nearly impossible to keep them in view as they shift depending on where you direct your gaze!

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

Tiger Tail Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Tiger Tail Illusion?

The tiger tail illusion is a visual phenomenon where a stationary object appears to move or wiggle due to the presence of an adjacent pattern of stripes. The illusion is named after the stripes on a tiger’s tail, which may appear to move even when the tail itself is still.

The illusion occurs because the brain’s visual system is trying to make sense of conflicting information from the surrounding patterns of stripes and the stationary object. The brain may perceive the stationary object as moving in the direction of the stripes, creating the illusion of motion.

The illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving something that is not actually there.

How does the Tiger Tail Illusion Work?

The tiger tail illusion works by exploiting the way the brain processes visual information. When the brain receives conflicting information from the patterns of stripes and the stationary object, it may try to resolve the conflict by perceiving motion.

The stripes surrounding the stationary object create an illusion of motion, known as the motion aftereffect. This illusion occurs because the brain’s neurons that respond to motion become fatigued after processing the stripes’ repeated pattern. When the brain then looks at the stationary object, it still perceives the motion aftereffect as if the object is moving in the opposite direction to the stripes.

This effect is further enhanced by the fact that the stripes on a tiger’s tail are often asymmetrical, with different thicknesses and spacings. These asymmetries create a visual distortion that adds to the illusion of motion.

The illusion works by exploiting the brain’s tendency to perceive motion when presented with conflicting visual information. The repeated pattern of stripes fatigues the motion-sensitive neurons, causing the brain to perceive motion even when there is none.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many illusions that are similar in that they involve the perception of motion or movement where none actually exists. Here are a few examples:

  1. The wagon-wheel effect: This illusion occurs when the spokes of a wagon wheel appear to move slowly or even in reverse, despite the wheel itself being stationary. This illusion is caused by the way the brain processes visual information from fast-moving objects.
  2. The stroboscopic effect: This illusion occurs when a series of still images presented in rapid succession create the impression of continuous motion. This effect is used in animation and film to create the illusion of movement.
  3. The waterfall illusion: This illusion occurs when a static image appears to be moving upward after prolonged viewing of a waterfall. This illusion is caused by the same motion-sensitive neurons becoming fatigued and then responding in the opposite direction.
  4. The rotating snakes illusion: This illusion creates the impression of rotating snakes in a stationary image due to the way the eye and brain process the edges of shapes and the contrast between them.

All of these illusions, including the tiger tail illusion, are examples of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion or movement where none actually exists, through the manipulation of visual stimuli.

Discovery of the Tiger Tail Illusion

The tiger tail illusion is a well-known optical illusion, but it is unclear who first discovered it. Illusions similar to the tiger tail illusion have been observed and documented for centuries, and the phenomenon has been studied extensively by neuroscientists and vision researchers in recent decades.

One of the earliest documented examples of a similar illusion was described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in the fourth century BC. In his work “De Anima,” Aristotle noted that when a person looks at a moving river and then looks at a stationary object, the object appears to be moving in the opposite direction to the river.

The modern study of visual illusions began in the late 19th century with the work of psychologists such as Hermann von Helmholtz and Ernst Mach. Since then, researchers have identified and studied many different types of illusions, including the tiger tail illusion.

While the specific origin of the term “tiger tail illusion” is unclear, it is likely that the name was coined in reference to the stripes on a tiger’s tail, which are a well-known example of this type of illusion.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Chromatic Vasarely Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Rotating Circles Illusion and Expanding Contracting Illusion

Tiger Tail Illusion

Scintillating Heart Illusion

Scintillating Heart Illusion

This cool Scintillating Heart Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka is a heart shaped version of the famous scintillating grid illusion. Every time you try to look at one of the darker hearts, it moves! For fun, try counting all the darker hearts!

If you are interested in learning how the Scintillating Heart Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

Scintillating Heart Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Scintillating Heart Illusion?

The Scintillating Heart Illusion is a version of the Scintillating Grid Illusion which is a type of visual illusion that creates the illusion of black dots appearing and disappearing at the intersections of a grid of white lines.

The illusion is created by drawing a grid of white lines on a black background, with small circles placed at the intersection of each line. When the viewer focuses on a single intersection of the grid, the black dots that appear at that intersection seem to disappear as the viewer’s gaze moves towards them. This creates the illusion of the dots appearing and disappearing in a scintillating pattern.

The Scintillating Heart Illusion is thought to occur due to the way that the brain processes visual information. Specifically, the illusion is believed to be caused by the interaction between the neurons in the retina of the eye and the visual processing centers in the brain.

The Scintillating Heart Illusion is similar to other visual illusions that rely on the misperception of spatial relationships and visual processing, such as the Hermann grid illusion and the Mach bands illusion. Like these other illusions, the Scintillating Grid Illusion demonstrates how our perception of visual information can be influenced by subtle cues and contextual information in the environment.

How does the Scintillating Heart Illusion Work?

The Scintillating Heart Illusion works by exploiting the way that the brain processes visual information. Specifically, the illusion relies on the way that the brain processes the contrast between the dark lines of the grid and the light spaces between them.

When we look at the Scintillating Heart Illusion, our brains try to make sense of the contrasting light and dark areas in the image. This leads to the activation of different types of neurons in the retina and the visual processing centers of the brain, which can create the illusion of black dots appearing and disappearing at the intersections of the grid.

The illusion is thought to occur due to a phenomenon called lateral inhibition, which is a process in which neurons in the retina and visual processing centers of the brain inhibit the activity of nearby neurons. This can create a contrast enhancement effect, where areas of high contrast in an image appear more pronounced.

In the case of the Scintillating Heart Illusion, the high-contrast intersection points of the grid cause nearby neurons to inhibit each other’s activity, creating a visual effect that makes it appear as if there are black dots appearing and disappearing at those points.

The Scintillating Heart Illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains can be tricked into perceiving something that is not actually present in the visual stimulus itself.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several similar illusions to the Scintillating Grid Illusion that rely on similar principles of visual processing and perception. Some examples include:

  1. The Hermann Grid Illusion: This illusion involves a grid of black squares on a white background. When you stare at the intersection points of the grid, gray blobs seem to appear in the white space between the squares.
  2. The Mach Bands Illusion: This illusion creates the impression of light and dark bands along the borders between areas of different brightness or color. The effect is thought to be caused by lateral inhibition in the retina and visual processing centers of the brain.
  3. The White’s Illusion: This illusion involves a checkerboard pattern with two gray squares on either side. Despite appearing to be different shades of gray, the squares are actually the same color. This illusion occurs because of the way the brain processes information about light and shadow.

These illusions, like the Scintillating Heart Illusion, demonstrate how our perception of visual information can be influenced by the contextual information in the environment and the way our brains process that information.

Discovery of the Scintillating Heart Illusion

The Scintillating Heart Illusion was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a Japanese psychologist and visual perception expert who is known for his research on visual illusions and his creation of many famous optical illusions. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

The original Scintillating Grid Illusion was first described in 1994 by E. Lingelbach and R. Sekuler in a paper published in the journal Perception. However, the phenomenon has been known to researchers in the field of visual perception and psychology for many decades and is thought to be related to other well-known visual illusions, such as the Hermann Grid Illusion and Mach Bands Illusion.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Chromatic Vasarely Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Tiger Tail Illusion and Expanding Contracting Illusion

Scintillating Heart Illusion

Spinning Circles Illusion

Spinning Circles Illusion

In this cool Spinning Circles Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, the balls appear to rotate slightly. This is caused by the coloration of the shapes and the color gradient illusion. Notice the slight difference in shading on each of the balls and how it differs from ball to ball. This is what makes the illusion work!

If you are interested in learning about the Expanding Spinning Circles Illusion and the color gradient illusion, scroll down to read more about it.

Spinning Circles Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Spinning Circles Illusion?

The Spinning Circles Illusion is created by the placement of the darker and lighter shades on the balls and the color gradient illusion. The color gradient illusion is a visual phenomenon in which a ring with a varying color gradient appears to be expanding or contracting.

The color gradient illusion works by exploiting the way our brain processes information about color and brightness. When we view the image, our brain interprets the changing color gradient within the ring as a change in brightness or shading, and this can create the illusion of motion.

Specifically, when the color gradient within the ring changes from light to dark (or vice versa), our brain perceives the inner portion of the ring as brighter or darker than the outer portion, and this can create the impression that the ring is expanding or contracting.

The color gradient illusion is just one example of the many ways in which our perception of color, brightness, and contrast can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience, and it continues to be a topic of interest in the study of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Spinning Circles Illusion Work?

The Spinning Circles Illusion works because the color gradient illusion exploits the way our brain processes information about color and brightness. When we view the image, our brain interprets the changing color gradient within the ring as a change in brightness or shading, and this can create the illusion of motion.

Specifically, when the color gradient within the ring changes from light to dark (or vice versa), our brain perceives the inner portion of the ring as brighter or darker than the outer portion, and this can create the impression that the ring is expanding or contracting.

Our perception of brightness and color is influenced by a number of factors, including the amount of light present in the environment, the spectral composition of the light, and the context in which the visual information is presented. The color gradient illusion is just one example of the many ways in which our perception of color, brightness, and contrast can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience, and it continues to be a topic of interest in the study of visual perception and cognition.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the color gradient illusion and the Spinning Circles Illusion. Here are a few examples:

  1. Checker Shadow Illusion: This illusion involves a checkerboard with a shadow cast across part of it. Despite having the same shade of gray, the square under the shadow appears to be a different shade than the square outside of the shadow.
  2. Adelson’s Checkerboard Illusion: This illusion features a checkerboard with two tiles of different shades. The tile that is surrounded by darker tiles appears to be lighter than the tile surrounded by lighter tiles.
  3. White’s Illusion: This illusion involves two gray bars with a gradient on each side. Despite having the same shade of gray, the bar with the darker gradient appears to be lighter than the bar with the lighter gradient.
  4. Mach Bands Illusion: This illusion involves bands of color that appear at the edges of two different shades of gray. The bands appear to be darker on the lighter side and lighter on the darker side.

All of these illusions exploit the way that our brain processes visual information about brightness, contrast, and shading. They demonstrate that our perception of color and brightness can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience.

Discovery of the Spinning Circles Illusion

The Spinning Circles Illusion is an example of Peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that occurs when the edges of an object or pattern appear to be moving or vibrating, even though the object itself is stationary. This illusion is created by specific patterns that are designed to interact with the visual system in a way that produces the perception of movement.

The color gradient illusion, as demonstrated in the Spinning Circles Illusion exact origins are unclear. It is likely that the illusion has been observed and appreciated by people for centuries, but it was first described and studied scientifically in the 20th century.

One of the earliest documented studies of the illusion was conducted in the 1960s by the psychologist Roger Shepard. Shepard investigated the illusion and its underlying mechanisms, and his work helped to establish the illusion as a topic of interest in the field of visual perception.

Since then, many other researchers have studied the color gradient illusion and similar visual phenomena, and it continues to be an active area of research today. While it is difficult to attribute the discovery of the illusion to a single individual, it is clear that the illusion has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike, and it remains a popular topic of study and discussion.


References and Resources

In addition to the Spinning Circles Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Rotating Circles Illusion and Moving Worms Illusion

Spinning Circles Illusion

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

In these Amazing Chromatic Vasarely Illusions, the center shape will continue to shift its shape depending on where you look. Look at the shape and then shift your gaze from one corner to the next. Every time you shift your gaze the shape will shift. Amazing!

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

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion
Chromatic Vasarely Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion?

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is a visual illusion that was created by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely. It is an example of op art, or optical art, which uses geometric shapes and patterns to create illusions of movement and depth.

In the original chromatic Vasarely illusion, a series of identical, colored squares are arranged in a grid pattern, with each square surrounded by a black and white checkerboard pattern. When viewed from a distance, the squares appear to be arranged in a series of concentric circles, creating the illusion of depth and movement.

What makes this illusion particularly interesting is that it appears to be in color, despite the fact that the squares are all identical and have no color variation. This is because the black and white checkerboard pattern surrounding each square creates an illusion of color contrast, making the squares appear to be different colors.

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains can be tricked into perceiving depth and movement where none exists, and how the use of color and pattern can create striking visual effects.

How does the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion Work?

The chromatic Vasarely illusion works by exploiting the way our brains process visual information. Our brains are wired to interpret visual stimuli in a certain way, and the illusion takes advantage of these processing mechanisms.

In the original version of the illusion, the identical, colored squares are surrounded by a black and white checkerboard pattern. This checkerboard pattern creates an illusion of color contrast, making the squares appear to be different colors. Specifically, the checkerboard pattern creates a border effect called Mach bands, which exaggerate the contrast between adjacent areas of different brightness. This effect makes the colors of the squares appear more vibrant and distinct than they actually are.

Additionally, the squares are arranged in a grid pattern, with each square touching the squares around it. This creates the illusion of concentric circles when viewed from a distance, as our brains interpret the edges of the squares as lines that continue around the circle.

Taken together, these elements create the illusion of depth and movement in the chromatic Vasarely illusion. Our brains perceive the concentric circles as moving and receding into the distance, even though the squares are actually flat and stationary.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many other optical illusions that are similar to the chromatic Vasarely illusion in their use of geometric shapes and patterns to create the illusion of depth and movement. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion features a series of spiraling lines that appear to rotate when the viewer moves closer to or further away from the image.
  2. The Poggendorff illusion: This illusion uses a series of intersecting lines to create the illusion that two straight lines are not aligned.
  3. The Zöllner illusion: This illusion features a series of parallel lines that appear to be distorted when they intersect with angled lines.
  4. The Ponzo illusion: This illusion uses converging lines to make two identical objects appear to be different sizes.
  5. The Müller-Lyer illusion: This illusion features two lines of equal length that appear to be different lengths due to the presence of angled lines at the ends of the lines.

All of these illusions, work by exploiting the way our brains process visual information and can be used to create striking and memorable visual effects.

Discovery of the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

The chromatic Vasarely illusion was created by Victor Vasarely, a Hungarian-French artist known for his work in the Op Art movement. Vasarely was born in Hungary in 1906 and studied art in Budapest before moving to Paris in 1930 to continue his studies. He is credited with being one of the founders of Op Art, a movement that used geometric shapes and optical illusions to create visually striking and often disorienting images.

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is one of many optical illusions created by Vasarely, and it is considered one of his most famous works. The illusion was first introduced in the 1960s and has since become a popular example of Op Art and optical illusions in general. Vasarely continued to create art throughout his life, and his work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.


References and Resources

In addition to the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Rotating Circles Illusion and Expanding Contracting Illusion

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion
Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

Expanding Contracting Illusion

Expanding Contracting Illusion

In this cool Expanding Contracting Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, the outer ring appears to expand while the inner ring appears to contract. This is caused by the coloration of the shapes and the color gradient illusion. Notice that the darker colors are on the inside of the expanding ring and on the outside of the contracting ring. This is what makes the illusion work!

If you are interested in learning about the Expanding Contracting Illusion and the color gradient illusion, scroll down to read more about it.

Expanding Contracting Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Expanding Contracting Illusion?

The Expanding Contracting Illusion is created by the placement of the darker and lighter colors and the color gradient illusion. The color gradient illusion is a visual phenomenon in which a ring with a varying color gradient appears to be expanding or contracting.

The color gradient illusion works by exploiting the way our brain processes information about color and brightness. When we view the image, our brain interprets the changing color gradient within the ring as a change in brightness or shading, and this can create the illusion of motion.

Specifically, when the color gradient within the ring changes from light to dark (or vice versa), our brain perceives the inner portion of the ring as brighter or darker than the outer portion, and this can create the impression that the ring is expanding or contracting.

The color gradient illusion is just one example of the many ways in which our perception of color, brightness, and contrast can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience, and it continues to be a topic of interest in the study of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Expanding Contracting Illusion Work?

The Expanding Contracting Illusion works because the color gradient illusion exploits the way our brain processes information about color and brightness. When we view the image, our brain interprets the changing color gradient within the ring as a change in brightness or shading, and this can create the illusion of motion.

Specifically, when the color gradient within the ring changes from light to dark (or vice versa), our brain perceives the inner portion of the ring as brighter or darker than the outer portion, and this can create the impression that the ring is expanding or contracting.

Our perception of brightness and color is influenced by a number of factors, including the amount of light present in the environment, the spectral composition of the light, and the context in which the visual information is presented. The color gradient illusion is just one example of the many ways in which our perception of color, brightness, and contrast can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience, and it continues to be a topic of interest in the study of visual perception and cognition.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the color gradient illusion and the Expanding Contracting Illusion. Here are a few examples:

  1. Checker Shadow Illusion: This illusion involves a checkerboard with a shadow cast across part of it. Despite having the same shade of gray, the square under the shadow appears to be a different shade than the square outside of the shadow.
  2. Adelson’s Checkerboard Illusion: This illusion features a checkerboard with two tiles of different shades. The tile that is surrounded by darker tiles appears to be lighter than the tile surrounded by lighter tiles.
  3. White’s Illusion: This illusion involves two gray bars with a gradient on each side. Despite having the same shade of gray, the bar with the darker gradient appears to be lighter than the bar with the lighter gradient.
  4. Mach Bands Illusion: This illusion involves bands of color that appear at the edges of two different shades of gray. The bands appear to be darker on the lighter side and lighter on the darker side.

All of these illusions exploit the way that our brain processes visual information about brightness, contrast, and shading. They demonstrate that our perception of color and brightness can be influenced by contextual cues and prior experience.

Discovery of the Spiral Illusion

The Expanding Contracting Illusion is an example of Peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that occurs when the edges of an object or pattern appear to be moving or vibrating, even though the object itself is stationary. This illusion is created by specific patterns that are designed to interact with the visual system in a way that produces the perception of movement.

The color gradient illusion, also known as the expanding/contracting ring illusion, is a well-known visual illusion, but its exact origins are unclear. It is likely that the illusion has been observed and appreciated by people for centuries, but it was first described and studied scientifically in the 20th century.

One of the earliest documented studies of the illusion was conducted in the 1960s by the psychologist Roger Shepard. Shepard investigated the illusion and its underlying mechanisms, and his work helped to establish the illusion as a topic of interest in the field of visual perception.

Since then, many other researchers have studied the color gradient illusion and similar visual phenomena, and it continues to be an active area of research today. While it is difficult to attribute the discovery of the illusion to a single individual, it is clear that the illusion has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike, and it remains a popular topic of study and discussion.


References and Resources

In addition to the Expanding Contracting Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Rotating Circles Illusion and Moving Worms Illusion

Moving Rows Illusion

Moving Rows Illusion

This fun Moving Rows Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka uses peripheral drift to create the perception that the rows appear to move when they are completely static.

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

Moving Rows Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Moving Rows Illusion?

The Moving Rows Illusion is an example of Peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that occurs when the edges of an object or pattern appear to be moving or vibrating, even though the object itself is stationary. This illusion is created by specific patterns that are designed to interact with the visual system in a way that produces the perception of movement.

The patterns used to create peripheral drift typically involve high-contrast black and white elements arranged in a circular or spiral pattern. When the pattern is viewed, the edges of the elements appear to be shifting or vibrating, which creates the illusion of movement. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it.

Peripheral drift is a type of motion illusion, which means that it creates the perception of movement even though there is no actual motion involved. It is thought to be caused by the way that the visual system processes information about the edges and boundaries of objects. The illusion can be used in various contexts, including in art and design, and in the study of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Moving Rows Illusion Work?

The Moving Rows Illusion uses peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that works by exploiting the way that the visual system processes information about edges and boundaries of objects. The specific patterns used to create peripheral drift are designed to interact with the neurons in the visual system that are responsible for processing information about edges and contours.

When the pattern is viewed, the high-contrast elements at the edges of the pattern create a “grating” effect, where the edges appear to be alternating between black and white. This creates a flickering effect at the edges of the pattern that stimulates neurons in the visual system that are sensitive to motion and changes in luminance.

These neurons send signals to the brain that create the perception of movement, even though the pattern itself is stationary. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it. This is because the neurons that are sensitive to motion and luminance changes are more numerous and densely packed in the periphery of the visual field.

Peripheral drift is just one of many visual illusions that exploit the ways that the visual system processes information about the world. It is a powerful demonstration of the brain’s ability to create the perception of movement and change even when there is no actual motion involved.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many visual illusions that are similar to peripheral drift used in Moving Rows Illusion the in that they create the perception of movement or change where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Rotating Snakes illusion: This illusion features a set of overlapping shapes that appear to be rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though they are not actually moving.
  2. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion involves a set of spirals that appear to be moving in a particular direction when the viewer moves their head or eyes, even though the spirals are actually stationary.
  3. The Motion Aftereffect illusion: This illusion occurs when the brain perceives motion in the opposite direction of a previously viewed moving stimulus. For example, after staring at a moving image of a waterfall for a period of time, a stationary scene may appear to be moving upwards.
  4. The Adelson’s Checker Shadow illusion: This illusion features a checkerboard pattern with a shadow over one section that appears to change the brightness of the squares it covers, even though all of the squares are the same color.

These are just a few examples of the many visual illusions that exist. They are useful tools for studying the ways that the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of movement and change.

Discovery of the Moving Rows Illusion

The Moving Rows Illusion was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a Japanese psychologist and visual perception expert who is known for his research on visual illusions and his creation of many famous optical illusions. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

Kitaoka’s work has focused on the study of perception, specifically on how the brain processes visual information and creates the experience of seeing. He has developed a number of visual illusions that demonstrate how the brain can be tricked into perceiving things that are not actually there or that are different from reality.

Some of Kitaoka’s most famous illusions include the Rotating Snakes illusion, the Checker Shadow illusion, and the Fraser Spiral illusion. His work has been featured in scientific journals and popular media around the world, and he is considered one of the leading researchers in the field of visual perception.


References and Resources

In addition to the Moving Rows Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Wavy Seeds Illusion and this cool Mona Lisa Bar Illusion.

Moving Rows Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka

Wavy Seeds Illusion

Wavy Seeds Illusion

This cool Wavy Seeds Illusion by Akiyoshi Kitaoka uses peripheral drift to create the perception that the seed like shapes are actually moving when they are completely static.

If you are interested in learning how the Wavy Seeds Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

Wavy Seeds Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Wavy Seeds Illusion?

The Wavy Seeds Illusion is an example of Peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that occurs when the edges of an object or pattern appear to be moving or vibrating, even though the object itself is stationary. This illusion is created by specific patterns that are designed to interact with the visual system in a way that produces the perception of movement.

The patterns used to create peripheral drift typically involve high-contrast black and white elements arranged in a circular or spiral pattern. When the pattern is viewed, the edges of the elements appear to be shifting or vibrating, which creates the illusion of movement. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it.

Peripheral drift is a type of motion illusion, which means that it creates the perception of movement even though there is no actual motion involved. It is thought to be caused by the way that the visual system processes information about the edges and boundaries of objects. The illusion can be used in various contexts, including in art and design, and in the study of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Wavy Seeds Illusion Work?

The Wavy Seeds Illusion uses peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that works by exploiting the way that the visual system processes information about edges and boundaries of objects. The specific patterns used to create peripheral drift are designed to interact with the neurons in the visual system that are responsible for processing information about edges and contours.

When the pattern is viewed, the high-contrast elements at the edges of the pattern create a “grating” effect, where the edges appear to be alternating between black and white. This creates a flickering effect at the edges of the pattern that stimulates neurons in the visual system that are sensitive to motion and changes in luminance.

These neurons send signals to the brain that create the perception of movement, even though the pattern itself is stationary. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it. This is because the neurons that are sensitive to motion and luminance changes are more numerous and densely packed in the periphery of the visual field.

Peripheral drift is just one of many visual illusions that exploit the ways that the visual system processes information about the world. It is a powerful demonstration of the brain’s ability to create the perception of movement and change even when there is no actual motion involved.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many visual illusions that are similar to peripheral drift used in Wavy Seeds Illusion the in that they create the perception of movement or change where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Rotating Snakes illusion: This illusion features a set of overlapping shapes that appear to be rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though they are not actually moving.
  2. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion involves a set of spirals that appear to be moving in a particular direction when the viewer moves their head or eyes, even though the spirals are actually stationary.
  3. The Motion Aftereffect illusion: This illusion occurs when the brain perceives motion in the opposite direction of a previously viewed moving stimulus. For example, after staring at a moving image of a waterfall for a period of time, a stationary scene may appear to be moving upwards.
  4. The Adelson’s Checker Shadow illusion: This illusion features a checkerboard pattern with a shadow over one section that appears to change the brightness of the squares it covers, even though all of the squares are the same color.

These are just a few examples of the many visual illusions that exist. They are useful tools for studying the ways that the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of movement and change.

Discovery of the Wavy Seeds Illusion

The Wavy Seeds Illusion was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a Japanese psychologist and visual perception expert who is known for his research on visual illusions and his creation of many famous optical illusions. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

Kitaoka’s work has focused on the study of perception, specifically on how the brain processes visual information and creates the experience of seeing. He has developed a number of visual illusions that demonstrate how the brain can be tricked into perceiving things that are not actually there or that are different from reality.

Some of Kitaoka’s most famous illusions include the Rotating Snakes illusion, the Checker Shadow illusion, and the Fraser Spiral illusion. His work has been featured in scientific journals and popular media around the world, and he is considered one of the leading researchers in the field of visual perception.


References and Resources

In addition to the Wavy Seeds Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Mona Lisa Bar Illusion and this Moving Rows Illusion

Wavy Seeds Illusion

Moving Worms Illusion

Moving Worms Illusion

This fun Moving Worms Illusions by Akiyoshi Kitaoka use peripheral drift to create the perception that the worms are actually moving when they are completely static.

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

Moving Worms Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka
Moving Worms Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka


Table of Contents

What is the Moving Worms Illusion?

The Moving Worms Illusion is an example of Peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that occurs when the edges of an object or pattern appear to be moving or vibrating, even though the object itself is stationary. This illusion is created by specific patterns that are designed to interact with the visual system in a way that produces the perception of movement.

The patterns used to create peripheral drift typically involve high-contrast black and white elements arranged in a circular or spiral pattern. When the pattern is viewed, the edges of the elements appear to be shifting or vibrating, which creates the illusion of movement. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it.

Peripheral drift is a type of motion illusion, which means that it creates the perception of movement even though there is no actual motion involved. It is thought to be caused by the way that the visual system processes information about the edges and boundaries of objects. The illusion can be used in various contexts, including in art and design, and in the study of visual perception and cognition.

How does the Moving Worms Illusion Work?

The Moving Worms Illusion uses peripheral drift which is a visual illusion that works by exploiting the way that the visual system processes information about edges and boundaries of objects. The specific patterns used to create peripheral drift are designed to interact with the neurons in the visual system that are responsible for processing information about edges and contours.

When the pattern is viewed, the high-contrast elements at the edges of the pattern create a “grating” effect, where the edges appear to be alternating between black and white. This creates a flickering effect at the edges of the pattern that stimulates neurons in the visual system that are sensitive to motion and changes in luminance.

These neurons send signals to the brain that create the perception of movement, even though the pattern itself is stationary. The effect is strongest when the pattern is viewed peripherally, meaning that it is viewed using the outer edges of the visual field rather than by looking directly at it. This is because the neurons that are sensitive to motion and luminance changes are more numerous and densely packed in the periphery of the visual field.

Peripheral drift is just one of many visual illusions that exploit the ways that the visual system processes information about the world. It is a powerful demonstration of the brain’s ability to create the perception of movement and change even when there is no actual motion involved.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many visual illusions that are similar to peripheral drift used in Moving Worms Illusion the in that they create the perception of movement or change where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Rotating Snakes illusion: This illusion features a set of overlapping shapes that appear to be rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though they are not actually moving.
  2. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion involves a set of spirals that appear to be moving in a particular direction when the viewer moves their head or eyes, even though the spirals are actually stationary.
  3. The Motion Aftereffect illusion: This illusion occurs when the brain perceives motion in the opposite direction of a previously viewed moving stimulus. For example, after staring at a moving image of a waterfall for a period of time, a stationary scene may appear to be moving upwards.
  4. The Adelson’s Checker Shadow illusion: This illusion features a checkerboard pattern with a shadow over one section that appears to change the brightness of the squares it covers, even though all of the squares are the same color.

These are just a few examples of the many visual illusions that exist. They are useful tools for studying the ways that the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of movement and change.

Discovery of the Moving Worms Illusion

The Moving Worms Illusion was created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a Japanese psychologist and visual perception expert who is known for his research on visual illusions and his creation of many famous optical illusions. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

Kitaoka’s work has focused on the study of perception, specifically on how the brain processes visual information and creates the experience of seeing. He has developed a number of visual illusions that demonstrate how the brain can be tricked into perceiving things that are not actually there or that are different from reality.

Some of Kitaoka’s most famous illusions include the Rotating Snakes illusion, the Checker Shadow illusion, and the Fraser Spiral illusion. His work has been featured in scientific journals and popular media around the world, and he is considered one of the leading researchers in the field of visual perception.


References and Resources

In addition to the Moving Worms Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Mona Lisa Bar Illusion.

Moving Worms Illusion
Moving Worms Illusion
Akiyoshi Kitaoka