Introduction: Optical Illusion - Two Lines
This Instructable will show you how to make a simple optical illusion. This illusion is called the Poggendorff Illusion and has been around for a while.
So what's happening in the image below? What is that red line doing there?
Go to the next step to see what's going on inside the black rectangle.
Step 1: Inside the Box
Here you can see that the blue line actually leads into the red line. Sure, the color contributes to the illusion, but it can be confusing even if the lines are all black.
Step 2: Black Lines
Here we can see two black lines going in and out of the black rectangle. I'm sure you know what's coming, but go to the next step to see what's happening inside the box.
Step 3: Inside the Box
As you can see, one of the lines is continuous, but it shifts from being the top line to the bottom lines.
Step 4: 2 Lines With Color
If we go back to the colored lines, we can see the same effect.
Step 5: How to Make It
You can use many different graphics programs to recreate these images. Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, Inkscape, or any other. As long as it can make lines and rectangles, and they all can, you're fine.
Start by making one diagonal line.
Step 6: Copy the Line
Copy the line and paste another one just a little bit below it.
Step 7: Copy Both Lines
Now copy both of those lines and move the copy so that the ends of the two lines come together like in the image below.
Step 8: Put a Rectangle on Top
Just drop a rectangle on top and you're done! Now you can play with making the lines different colors to recreate the images from the beginning of the Instructable.
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19 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
I don't understand what the illusion is. Anyone care to explain?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
it makes it appear as if the both lines are connected but in reality only one is to the other on the opposite side, it's a trick of the eye
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Well... don't really work with me cause I got geometric vision. Since birth, I have problem to see the distance, so my deep vision rely on geometric form.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's too bad. You should really see how fascinating the illusion is. You're definitely missing out. I wish I could help you see it.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Oh don't worry, I can still see how the illusion work, but I don't fall.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
basically u see the blue line comin into the black rectangle, and u see a read and blue one coming out the other side. ur brain thinks that the blue lines are connected, when actually its the read and the blue line connected. get it?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
To me the blue line on the left looks like it is between the lines on the right.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
yeah I figured it out right after I posted this
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
lol :D
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
nevermind, haha now I feel stupid
11 years ago on Introduction
this is so cool any more cool ideas then please email them to mattyts@live.co.uk
12 years ago on Introduction
heh. I actually thought it was a trick but i guessed that the line above went between the two at the bottom :P
12 years ago on Introduction
I fell for the trick to. Brains are so cool, I like them because there always a mystery.
12 years ago on Introduction
Nice illusion, it is scary how easy it is to trick our brain.
12 years ago on Introduction
Classic, but WHY does our mind do that?
12 years ago on Introduction
nice sweet blows ur mind a little that what we see is not reality... excuse me i just finished reading the watchmen comics deep stuff
12 years ago on Introduction
well done i liked it all lot you fooled me too
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
im sry i sayed that worng
well done i liked it a lotyou fooled me too
thats what i ment to say
12 years ago on Introduction
Very cool! First comment! nice ible. It fooled me!