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Time of India

Optical illusion: Is it circles or rectangles?

Optical illusions reveal the fascinating ways our brains interpret visual information, often differing from reality. The Coffer illusion, named Best Illusion of 2006, challenges perception, prompting viewers to see either rectangles or circles. Cultural background and environmental exposure significantly influence what we perceive, highlighting that our interpretation of the world is subjective. Life is not all black and white after all. Well, not according to scientists at least. Though we may think that the world is exactly as we see it, studies about optical illusion suggest that it is far more complex. Optical illusion is the best way to challenge the brain. This optical illusion will give you a run for your money. Created by Stanford vision scientist Anthony Norcia, this optical illusion, known as the Coffer illusion, was crowned the Best Illusion of 2006. This illusion will certainly leave you in circles. It's complex, just like the world, and will push you to look beyond what you see. What are optical illusions An optical illusion is a fascinating phenomenon where the human brain finds it difficult to understand visual information, causing us to perceive images differently from reality. These illusions come in all sizes and shapes! There are patterns, colours, shapes, or motions that deceive the eyes. Optical illusions reveal the complex interplay between our eyes and brain. They are the best examples to understand how perception is not always an accurate reflection of the physical world. Let the game begin (Pic courtesy: X/ @DrGBuckingham) Now for the moment we all were waiting for. Don't worry this is more than just a visual trick. Consider this illusion as a window into how culture, experience, and biology play a role in shaping perception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Look at this Coffer illusion. Do you see rectangles or circles? Don't worry, there's no right or wrong answer here. This illusion shows that the perception is shaped by many factors, including cultural background. A recent study by researchers at the London School of Economics examined how different cultures perceive the Coffer illusion. Participants from the United States and the United Kingdom were more likely to see rectangles first. However, people from rural communities in Namibia were more likely to see circles. Researchers believe this difference comes from environmental exposure. People in Western, urban societies, often referred to as 'WEIRD' (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic), grow up in built environments filled with straight lines and right angles. On the other hand, rural Namibians live in areas where rounded forms, such as circular huts. Tamil Kids Poem: Nursery Song in Tamil 'Sick' What's the answer though (Pic courtesy: X/ @DrGBuckingham) The right answer for you is what you saw. It could be rectangles or circles. At first glance, people see a grid of rectangles. But if you look closer, you will be able to see a set of 16 circles slowly emerge from the background. Don't doubt your brain, it may just be doing what it does best - perceiving the world on its own terms.