Jeremiah Owyang discusses how web tools and social media enable companies to connect with customers

Optical Illusion: Einstein or Harry Potter?

I saw this optical illusion at the MIT museum in Cambridge, at first I didn’t understand how it worked. Later as I walked to the end of the room, I saw that someone had switched the drawings!

As I walked closer, they magically reverted back to Albert Einstein.

A trick? Nah, it was just an illusion!

STEP 1: Eight Portraits
Here’s what you see what you’re far away, it looks like 8 different portraits!

Optical Illusion (see large image version to compare)

STEP 2: Watch as they magically turn to Einstein
Now, the expanded image (Yes, it’s the SAME image, just larger) changes as you get closer. It’s JUST Einstein. You can try, by expanding the image and stepping backward!



Click here to see the larger version of the same image

How did this work? When our eyes see the details when we get closer, it changes our perception of the image!

I shared this with many of my friends including my buddy Neil.

Update: From the comments, we should take time to credit Aude Oliva, Ph.D. who is the creator of this fine work. I had a great time visiting the MIT museum and encourage you to check it out too!

21 Comments so far

  1. Jaime October 12th, 2007 3:08 pm

    Wow, really impressive effect..any more ilussions at MIT?

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  3. Jordan Meeter October 12th, 2007 6:22 pm

    That’s incredible! I wish I could see it in person!

  4. Kris October 12th, 2007 8:15 pm

    Amazing! At first look you could never tell it was Einstein! I kept wondering how did Einstein look like Harry Potter? hahaha! cool!

  5. Scott October 12th, 2007 8:55 pm

    Is that John Lennon on the bottom row, second one in from the left? Who are the others with which Einstein is ‘crossed’?

  6. Darwin Murphy October 12th, 2007 11:55 pm

    That is pretty stupid.

  7. Pam October 13th, 2007 1:15 am

    That is a pretty cool trick. Thanks for posting it :^)

  8. Nikki Rose Ty October 13th, 2007 3:13 am

    Cool =] Thanks for posting.

  9. jeremiah_owyang October 13th, 2007 7:13 am

    Thanks everyone!

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  11. The Paradoxist October 13th, 2007 9:43 am

    Hello Scott:
    Their names are:
    Daniel Radcliffe, Marilyn Monroe, Sigmund Freud, Salvador Dalí, Sean Connery, John Lennon, Madonna, Albert Einstein

    Thanks Jeremiah for posting this beautiful optic illusion.

  12. medina-psicologia.ugr.es October 13th, 2007 9:50 am

    ¿Harry Potter o Einstein?…

    ¿Sabrías decir a quien ves con seguridad?…

  13. shardcore October 13th, 2007 12:33 pm

    I recently made a couple of these for an art show.

    Here’s [then] UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and Margaret Thatcher.

    http://www.shardcore.org/shardpress/index.php/2007/05/10/my-legacy-2007/

    shardcore

  14. Angus Lau October 14th, 2007 7:48 am

    That’s great. Can’t believe I never made visits to the museum before.

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  17. Diogo October 16th, 2007 7:09 pm

    I want a high-res pic to print and stick in my room’s wall, anyone can share?

  18. Josie October 18th, 2007 8:21 pm

    The MIT Museum where the series Eight Einsteins is on display will have more information about the work of Professor Aude Oliva on their web site in a few day - or go now to: http://cvcl.mit.edu/Aude.htm. I work at the Museum and had the privilege of meeting Aude today to discuss her work which is fascinating. Thanks all for your interest, and come to the Museum!

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  20. vale March 4th, 2008 10:56 am

    what…?

  21. vale March 4th, 2008 10:57 am

    holaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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