Ebbinghaus Illusion
The petals of size: see how relative scale tricks your brain's sense of measurement.
🧐 What do you see?▼
Look at the two blue circles in the center of each group. The blue circle on the right likely looks much largerthan the blue circle on the left.
Both blue circles are identical in size.
🧠 Why this works▼
This is a powerful example of Size Contrast. Our brain rarely measures things in absolute units. Instead, it constantly compares objects to their immediate surroundings.
When a circle is surrounded by massive "petals," it looks small by comparison. When surrounded by tiny dots, it looks "huge" relative to its neighbors. This relative context overrides your brain's ability to see the object's true dimensions.
🧪 Try variations▼
- Intensity: Use the Intensity slider to change the size difference between the petals.
- Pulsate: The circles are pulsating. Does the illusion feel stronger when the petals are closer to or further from the center?
❓ FAQ▼
Is this related to the "Delboeuf" illusion?
Yes, the Delboeuf illusion is a simpler version where one circle is surrounded by a larger ring. It's often used in research about how plate size affects how much food we eat!