Okay, it’s Friday and maybe you’re looking for something to amuse you for a few moments before you have to get back to pretending to work. So how about some freaky optical illusions? To tell you the truth after looking at these images I actually felt quite sick. But while I don’t want to make you feel woozy, I am interested in learning if I am particularly sensitive to these optical illusions, or whether you also see these static images moving. (Click on the images to see larger versions)
The one above requires a little interaction from you. Move your head toward and away from the screen while looking at the middle of the pattern.
The illusions are the work of Professor Akiyoshi Kitaoka from the Department of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. He’s created many more which you can find on his website.
Of course these kind of pictures aren’t uncommon. They’ve even been used in advertising. Back in 2005 Sony made us all feel woozy by using images like those above on billboard advertising their new Bravia TV line.
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Wrote the following comment on Jan 25, 2008 at 3:03 pm
They moved for me, but it didn’t make me woozy.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 25, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Bugger, I just bumped into my screen when I looked at the last image (just like instructed) and now my new MacBook Air is broken! It’s all your fault, Simon. Your post should have come with a health & safety warning (“Attention! Your screen might appear closer than you think!”). I’ll accept any credit card or PayPal…
Wrote the following comment on Jan 25, 2008 at 6:54 pm
That first one is on the wall of my cube.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 25, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Great Simon!! My boss just caught me goofing off. Now I have a negative mark on my performance record. Thanks alot Mr. Timewasting Temptation.
Just kidding. I don’t live in Dilbert’s world and nobody is looking over my shoulder.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 26, 2008 at 2:28 am
woozy!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 26, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Yikes, these made me nauseous
Wrote the following comment on Jan 26, 2008 at 8:08 pm
That hardest part is trying to see them without the movement! I wonder how the artist managed it! Cool!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 27, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I could never see those images that were within the image. You know the ones where your supposed to put your face real close to it and then slowly pull away and your supposed to magically see this other image.