Robert Fettgather, Ph.D holds a Ph.D in Psychology and Masters degrees in both Psychology and Special Education and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from West Valley College. Dr. Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both psychology and developmental disabilities. The Institute for Personality and Ability Testing has certified Dr. Fettgather as a Stress Management Trainer, and Medical Hypnosis Seminars of the Los Gatos Institute has certified him in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Optical illusions are fascinating visual deceptions that trick our brains and make us perceive the world differently than we might otherwise. These illusions are brought about by the way our eyes and brain interact with each other, sometimes producing shape, size, color, or motion distortions. Optical illusions may be associated with entertainment (think of the last magic trick that stumped you) and artwork (the renderings of Escher come to mind). Of course, these illusions can be seen and appreciated in architecture, design, psychology, and even safety procedures (more on this later).
Optical illusions happen due to the complex relationship between the eyes and the brain. You see our brain interprets visual information based on previous experience, expectation, and surrounding context. For example, a sense of distance is introduced by the converging lines of the road above- The Ponzo Illusion. This sometimes can also lead to misinterpretation, causing us to see things that do not exist or distort objects. Misinterpretation can be annoying but sometimes quite interesting!
What about other illusions in everyday life?
Optical illusions are used by interior designers and architects to decorate environments. Mirrors, for instance, can generate the impression of a larger space, whereas illumination and designs may modify the eye perception of building size and shape. Trompe-l'œil, or an art form that creates three-dimensional visual depth on a flat surface, is also applied to home decor.
Here is that safety point foreshadowed above: Optical illusions are employed in road making to promote safety. A case in point is speed bumps painted with a 3D effect to create the illusion of rising, which will cause drivers to slow down. Pedestrian crossings also use illusions to create the illusion of floating blocks so that they appear more visible to drivers who then apply the brakes.
Optical illusions are not so much a cunning trick—they're part of how we perceive and make sense of the world. From art to road safety and psychology, these illusions are all around us. Not only do they increase our appreciation of mechanisms in of brain and eye, but they also enable us to make more informed and creative decisions in fields such as design, safety, and marketing. As technology develops, the application of optical illusions in virtual reality and digital media will grow, presenting opportunity and challenges on the path forward.
