Chromatic Induction
Experience how a neutral gray square magically changes color based on its environment.
🧐 What do you see?▼
Observe the small square in the center. Despite being a perfectly neutral gray (#888), it appears to be tinted with a specific color.
When the background is Red, the square looks Cyan/Blue-Green. When the background is Blue, the square looks Yellowish. The perceived tint is always the complementary color of the background!
🧠 Why this works▼
This is Simultaneous Color Contrast or Chromatic Induction. Our visual system doesn't measure absolute wavelengths of light; it measures the *difference* in color between an object and its surroundings.
In the retina, "opponent cells" calculate color differences. If the background is flooding the retina with Red signals, the brain assumes the environment is biased toward red. To maintain "color constancy," it subtracts Red from the entire image. When you subtract Red from a neutral Gray, you are left with its opposite: Cyan.
🧪 Try variations▼
- Adjust Intensity: Use the Intensity slider to mute or saturate the background. Notice how the induced tint strengthens as the background color gets more vivid.
- Change Direction: Click through the Direction control to cycle between Red, Blue, and Green backgrounds.
❓ FAQ▼
Is this related to the "Blue or Gold Dress"?
Yes! That viral illusion was a massive real-world example of chromatic induction and color constancy. Your brain tried to "subtract" the light source to see the "true" color of the dress.