Optical Illusions

Optical illusion devices are tools or equipment designed to create visual phenomena that deceive the human eye’s perception of reality. These devices exploit the brain’s interpretation mechanisms, leading to a perceived image that differs from reality. Central to optical illusions are principles from cognitive psychology, neurobiology, and optical physics. Examples of optical illusions include the stereoscope which presents a different image to each eye to simulate depth perception; and the zoetrope which creates the illusion of motion through rapid sequence imagery. Optical illusions have been around for centuries, serving both magic, entertainment, and scientific purposes. Optical illusions played a role in developing early film and animation techniques and continue to shape virtual reality technologies today. The study of optical illusions provides understanding into human vision and perceptual processes.