Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect

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This illusion is an example of the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect.

To make this work, you’ll need to stare at the white spot in the center and then move your face closer to the screen. When you move forward, the white spot will expand and increase in luminescence.

If you are interested in learning more about the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect, scroll down to read more about it.

Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect


Table of Contents

What is the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect?

The Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect is a perceptual phenomenon in which a static image appears to have motion or movement due to the manipulation of luminance gradients within the image. This effect is achieved by creating a pattern of luminance gradients that are organized in a specific way to produce the illusion of motion.

For example, an image of parallel lines with alternating light and dark stripes can create the impression of movement when the lines are tilted or moved in a particular direction. This effect is thought to be caused by the visual system’s sensitivity to changes in luminance contrast, which is a property of how the brightness of different parts of an image compare to each other.

The Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, as it can provide insights into how the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of motion. It is also commonly used in art and design to create visual interest and the illusion of movement in static images

How does the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect Work?

The Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect works by taking advantage of the human visual system’s sensitivity to changes in luminance contrast. Our visual system is highly attuned to differences in brightness, and it uses these differences to identify and track objects in our environment.

When we look at an image that contains luminance gradients organized in a specific way, our visual system interprets these gradients as indicating motion. This is because our brains are wired to assume that changes in brightness over time are caused by objects moving in space.

The specific mechanisms by which the visual system processes luminance gradients and creates the illusion of motion are still not fully understood, and researchers continue to study this phenomenon to gain insights into how the brain processes visual information. However, it is clear that the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect is a powerful tool for creating visual interest and the impression of movement in static images.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several similar illusions to the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect that also rely on the visual system’s sensitivity to contrast and motion. Here are a few examples:

  1. Motion Aftereffect (MAE): This is an illusion in which a stationary object appears to be moving after the viewer has been exposed to a moving object for an extended period of time. This effect is thought to be caused by neurons in the visual system adapting to the constant motion, which leads to a temporary imbalance in the perception of motion.
  2. Op Art: Op art, short for optical art, is a style of art that creates the illusion of movement or three-dimensionality through the use of patterns and contrast. This style often features repeating geometric shapes or lines that are arranged in a way that creates a visual vibration or pulsation.
  3. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This is an illusion in which a static image appears to rotate when the viewer moves towards or away from it. This effect is achieved by combining opposing diagonal patterns that create an impression of motion in the direction of the viewer’s movement.
  4. The Hermann Grid illusion: This is an illusion in which grey dots appear at the intersections of a grid of black lines on a white background. This effect is caused by the way that the visual system processes contrast, and it can be enhanced by increasing the size of the grid or by adjusting the brightness of the dots and background.

Discovery of the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect

The Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect has been studied by many researchers in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and visual perception, and it is not attributed to any one specific individual as its discoverer.

However, the phenomenon has been documented in scientific literature since the early 20th century. For example, the artist and researcher Josef Albers described the effect in his book “Interaction of Color” in 1963, and it has since been studied extensively in the context of visual perception and neuroscience.

Overall, the Dynamic Luminance-Gradient Effect is a well-established perceptual phenomenon that has been observed and studied by many researchers over the year


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.