The box-circle illusion

Perception. 2023 Sep;52(9):670-675. doi: 10.1177/03010066231186557. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

A novel geometrical optical illusion is reported in this article: the horizontal distances of the contextual structures distort the perceived vertical positions of observed objects. Specifically, the illusion manifests in the form of connected boxes of varying widths but equal heights, each containing a circle at the center. Despite identical vertical positioning of the circles, they appear misaligned. The illusion diminishes when the boxes are removed. Potential underlying mechanisms are discussed.

Keywords: depth perception; geometrical-optical illusion; illusion; orientation; position.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Optical Illusions*
  • Orientation*