How do you feel about optical illusions? Maybe you’re a pro and you’re here to show off (if so, good for you!). Or maybe you’re a brave sort and have joined us to give yourself a much-needed challenge, a “study break” to keep the old cerebral cogs turning. If so, welcome! Let’s begin.
Take a look at the seemingly one-dimensional pattern below. What do you see? Black and white lines and boxes; a panel that looks a little bit like a brick wall, correct? Well, look again! If you didn’t see it straight away (and don’t worry, many people don’t), there are actually sixteen sneaky circles hiding in this complex optical illusion. And it’s no amateur effort; this image was first shared as one of the top ten best illusions in the 2006 Neural Correlate Society’s “Best Illusion of the Year” contest.
But you'll have to try it first, because that’s all we’re saying for now.
For some, it was easy: “It’s weird,” one person fessed up. “The second I read your comment, instant circles.” It took others a little longer, but they were keen to share their technique: “It took me a while too,” posted one puzzle solver, “but if you just look at the center image and try to just look at it as a whole, the circles are more visible.”
Some are forever changed (“Once seen, I cannot un-see!”), while others are forever burdened (“They keep disappearing for me unless I concentrate on them!”), but everyone agrees that it’s absorbing. How did you fare?
Optical illusions are amazing. They manipulate color, light, and a variety of patterns, purely for the fun of confusing the human brain. Perception meets reality, and sometimes it’s a big old mess. Sometimes, however, it’s absolutely out of this world, and that’s why we love it!