Adapt to horizontal (Left) and vertical (Right) textures.
Texture Aftereffect Illusion
Explore the complex world of second-order motion and texture adaptation.
🧐 What do you see?▼
Stare at the red dot for 30s as you adapt to horizontal stripes on the left and vertical on the right. When you switch to the test pattern (diagonal noise),the two identical patches will look distinctly different in their orientation or grain.
🧠 Why this works▼
Texture perception involves multiple stages of processing. First, the brain identifies individual lines, and then it groups them into a 'texture segment.' This texture adaptation occurs in higher visual areas (like V4) that handle pattern recognition.
Even when the line orientations are mixed (as in the diagonal test noise), your recently fatigued 'horizontal' or 'vertical' filters cause the brain to bias the resulting perception in the opposite direction, creating a local shift in the 'perceived grain' of the surface.
🧪 Try variations▼
- Eye Movement: Try moving your eyes around while looking at the test pattern. The effect should stay 'stuck' to the parts of your vision you adapted.
- Pattern Density: Higher density patterns usually create a more 'felt' aftereffect, almost like a tactile sensation on the eyes.
❓ FAQ▼
Why do some people see it more clearly?
Texture adaptation relies on 'perceptual grouping,' a skill that varies between individuals based on how their visual system weights different features.