Take a look at the above image, look at the A and B squares and ask yourself a question, “Are they the same color?”
Well, apparently they are. See image below as proof (or if you are really skeptical, like me, copy this image into Photoshop and use the dropper tool on both squares).
Here is what happens. When we see an image, we not only see it with our eyes, but also with our brain. When the image is seen by the eyes, never impulses recreate the image in our brain where then perception takes place. Our brain puts the image together from information stored in our visual memory and our adaptive unconscious and then makes an assessment on what the actual image is and what it means to us.
An optical illusion happens when our cognitive assessment fails and the brain makes a wrong interpretation. This is also why we can read a badly misspelled word as long as the first and last letter are correct.
Why am I writing about this? Aside from the USB industry, my biggest passion is marketing and psychology, or more concrete, how good marketing influences human behavior. Some of my posts will cover these topics. Be warned, or look forward to them.
Here are some ways you can apply the optical illusion principles to your personal/business life:
- People see your presentation, or hear your ideas and make up their own stories about them. When you choose your audience, compose your offering so it agrees with the way their story is told in their mind.
- People buy your product (service / idea) because it makes an emotional connection, not satisfies a need.
- It is easy to trick people – ONCE. Once tricked, they will never listen to you again. Be honest and respectful!
- Never pre-judge based on appearance.
