Apparent Motion (Phi Phenomenon)
Static lights flashing in sequence create the perception of a single moving object.
🧐 What do you see?▼
You likely see a single pink dot moving in a circle. In reality, nothing is moving. We are simply turning separate lights on and off in a specific order.
🧠 Why this works▼
This is the Phi Phenomenon (or Beta Movement, depending on speed). Our brain is hardwired to detect motion. When stimuli appear in close succession and proximity, the brain fills in the gap, inferring a continuous path of motion where none exists.
This is the fundamental principle behind all cinema, television, and computer screens.
🧪 Try variations▼
- Blink rapidly: You might break the illusion and see individual dots flashing.
❓ FAQ▼
What is the difference between Phi and Beta movement?
Beta movement is seeing an object move (like this dot). Phi phenomenon is perceiving "pure motion" without necessarily seeing a defined object moving.