Learn about the six most common types of optical illusions, including geometric, ambiguous, distortion, color, motion, and tactile illusions.
6 Most Common Types of Optical Illusions
Optical illusions are images or objects that deceive the eyes and brain, creating a false impression of reality. They occur when our brain tries to make sense of the information received by the eyes, but the information is contradictory or inconsistent. Optical illusions can be fun and entertaining, but they also reveal how our brains process visual information. Here are six of the most common types of optical illusions:
1. Geometric Illusions
Geometric illusions are created using shapes and lines that trick the brain into perceiving them as something other than what they are. For example, the Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic geometric illusion that consists of two lines with arrows at the ends pointing in opposite directions. One line appears longer than the other, but in reality, they are the same length.
2. Ambiguous Illusions
Ambiguous illusions occur when an image can be interpreted in more than one way, depending on the viewer’s perspective. The Necker Cube is a famous example of an ambiguous illusion. It is a simple line drawing of a cube that can be seen from two different angles.
These are just two examples of the many types of optical illusions that exist. Other types include distortion illusions, color illusions, and motion illusions. Each type of illusion plays with different aspects of visual perception, such as depth, size, shape, and color.
3. Distortion Illusions
Distortion illusions occur when the size or shape of an object is distorted, making it appear different from its actual size or shape. The most famous example of a distortion illusion is the famous “Ebbinghaus illusion,” which consists of two circles of the same size surrounded by other circles of different sizes. The circle surrounded by smaller circles appears larger than the circle surrounded by larger circles.
4. Color Illusions
Color illusions are created by manipulating color and light to create an optical effect. One example of a color illusion is the “Benham’s Top,” which is a black and white spinning top with different patterns on each side. When the top is spun, it creates the illusion of colored circles.
5. Motion Illusions
Motion illusions occur when a static image appears to be moving. One famous example of a motion illusion is the “Rotating Snakes,” which is a pattern of overlapping circles that appear to be moving when viewed.