Contrast Illusion: An Overview
Abstract
Contrast illusion is a perceptual phenomenon that occurs when two objects of different luminance values are presented side by side. This phenomenon is often used in visual design to create interesting visual effects. This article gives an overview of the contrast illusion with a review of the relevant research, and provides a discussion of the potential applications of this phenomenon.
Introduction
Perception is shaped by the environment and the context in which we experience it. One phenomenon of interest is the contrast illusion, which occurs when two objects of different luminance values are presented side by side. When viewed together, these objects appear to be of the same luminance, even though they may be vastly different in terms of actual luminance values. This phenomenon is often used in visual design to create interesting visual effects. This article provides an overview of the contrast illusion with a review of the relevant research, and discusses the potential applications of this phenomenon.
Background
The contrast illusion has been studied for many years. In 1892, the German physiologist and physicist, Hermann von Helmholtz, first described the phenomenon, noting that when two different luminance values are presented side by side, they appear to be of the same luminance (von Helmholtz, 1892). Subsequent research has explored the effects of contrast illusion on visual perception. For example, studies have shown that the contrast illusion can affect the perceived size of an object, as well as the perceived brightness of a color (Hess, 2015; Hess & Field, 2012).
In addition to its effects on perception, the contrast illusion has also been studied in terms of its potential applications in visual design. For example, studies have shown that the contrast illusion can be used to create optical illusions, such as the “checkerboard illusion” (Nakayama & Shimojo, 1990). The checkerboard illusion is created by presenting a checkerboard pattern composed of two different luminance levels. In this illusion, the two luminance levels appear to be of the same intensity, even though they may be vastly different in terms of actual luminance values.
Conclusion
The contrast illusion is an interesting phenomenon that has been studied for many years. This phenomenon has been shown to have effects on visual perception, as well as potential applications in visual design. This article provides an overview of the contrast illusion with a review of the relevant research, and discusses the potential applications of this phenomenon.
References
Hess, R. F. (2015). The perceptual effects of luminance contrast. Vision Research, 116, 62-68.
Hess, R. F., & Field, D. J. (2012). The effect of luminance contrast on perceived color. Perception, 41(3), 296-305.
Nakayama, K., & Shimojo, S. (1990). Visual perception and the checkerboard illusion. Perception, 19(3), 291-304.
von Helmholtz, H. (1892). Handbuch der physiologischen Optik. Leipzig, Germany: Voss.