Search results
- Parallax effect optical illusion. This IRL optical illusion manages to look like a 3D render and a web design effect all at the same time, making it the ultimate illusion for creative types.
- The expanding black hole optical illusion. Optical illusions are always pretty mind-blowing, but not many come close to this one that can show you the future - well almost.
- The hypnotic circle optical illusion. Created by Brusspup, the first optical illusion in our list is a bit of a geometric trick. The white circles appear to form a circular shape that rolls around the inside of the circumference of the red circle.
- The spinning vortex optical illusion. One type of optical illusion that we can't get enough of are those that appear to be moving but they're actually still images.
- Overview
- The Hermann Grid Optical Illusion
- The Spinning Dancer Optical Illusion
- The Ames Room Optical Illusion
- The Ponzo Optical Illusion
- The Zollner Optical Illusion
- The Kanizsa Triangle Optical Illusion
- The Muller-Lyer Optical Illusion
- The Moon Optical Illusion
- The Lilac Chaser Optical Illusion
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Trending Videos
Optical illusions, more appropriately known as visual illusions, involve visual deception. Due to the arrangement of images, the effect of colors, the impact of the light source, or other variables, a wide range of misleading visual effects can be seen.
If you've ever struggled to see the hidden image in a single-image stereogram, you may have discovered that not everyone experiences visual illusions in the same way. For some illusions, some people simply cannot see the effect.
Optical illusions can be fun and fascinating, but they can also tell us a great deal of information about how the brain and perceptual system function. There are countless optical illusions out there, but here is a sampling of some of the most fun and interesting.
Sometimes we see things that aren't there, and the Hermann Grid illusion is a great example. Notice how the dots at the center of each intersection seem to shift between white and gray?
Like many optical illusions, different theories have been proposed to explain exactly why this happens.
•Lateral inhibition is often used to explain the Hermann grid illusion, but more recent evidence suggests that this might not be why the illusion happens. This theory suggests that the brightest at the intersections forces retinal cells to adjust the intensity. Lateral inhibition happens when the excitation of surrounding neurons inhibits a neuron's response to a stimulus.
•S1 simple-cell theory may be more helpful for understanding the illusion. Evidence supporting this theory includes the fact that the illusion is not dependent upon the size of the grid and that the illusion still occurs when the contrast of the image is reversed. S1 simple-cell theory proposes that the illusion is caused by how S1-type simple cells in the primary visual cortex respond to certain visual stimuli.
Would you be surprised to learn that the two people in the image at the left are actually the same size? Known as the Ames room illusion, this visual trick has been utilized in films such as The Lord of the Rings.
The Ames room illusion works due to the trapezoidal shape of the room. From the viewer's perspective, it looks like a square room, leading to the size distortion. The small figure is, in reality, standing at a greater distance than the larger figure.
Sometimes the background of an image can interfere with how your brain interprets the image itself, as is the case with the Zollner illusion. This is one illusion that can make a viewer start to feel slightly queasy if you stare at it for too long!
This may happen due to the shorter lines' angle compared to the long lines. This causes the brain to perceive depth where there is none.
Here's a classic illusion that still manages to stump a lot of people. Which line is longer? In reality, both lines are the same length.
This phenomenon is known as the Muller-Lyer Illusion. A few different explanations have been proposed to explain how it works.
•One theory suggests that the brain misapplies information about size consistency and scaling. This ability allows people to judge size in relation to distance, but when applied to a two-dimensional field, it leads to errors.
•Another theory proposes that depth cues related to the direction of the line shafts lead to misperceptions about the length of the lines. Depending on whether the shafts are facing inward or outward, the overall length of the figure may also contribute to interpretations of line length.
Learn about the visual tricks that fool your brain and how they reveal something about perception and cognition. Explore examples of the Hermann grid, the spinning dancer, the Ames room, and more.
In visual perception, an optical illusion (also called a visual illusion) is an illusion caused by the visual system and characterized by a visual percept that arguably appears to differ from reality.
- Walking a Fine Line. Feast your eyes on this optical illusion! These lines seem skewed but they are actually parallel.
- Zigzag Mania. No, the photo isn’t moving. The zigzag pattern and the cylinder shapes create this dizzying effect!
- A Tunnel Effect. A checked background makes this tunnel seem endless.
- The Power of Makeup. Just by using the proper makeup and brushes, you can create this optical illusion. Take a peek at YouTube videos like these to get started.
For centuries, optical illusions have used our visual shortcuts and brain inklings against us, turning everyday objects into false 3D images, strange floating ships, and seriously confusing...
Jul 23, 2021 · From spinning circles to disappearing dots, these insane optical illusions aren't what they appear to be. Are you ready to have your mind blown?
Aug 8, 2011 · Optical illusions harness the shift between what your eyes see and your brain perceives. Here are some great ones, with explanations.
