Phi Phenomenon

Definition

The phi phenomenon is an optical illusion in which stationary objects shown in rapid succession appear to be moving.

Analogy

Imagine you're looking at two lights flashing alternately - first one light, then quickly followed by another light nearby while the first one turns off. Even though both lights are stationary, your brain interprets this as one light moving back and forth between two locations. That's Phi Phenomenon!

Related terms

Apparent Motion: This term refers to perceiving a sense of motion (movement) where there isn't any actual movement happening.

Optical Illusion: An optical illusion involves visually perceived images that differ from objective reality, often exploiting how our brains make sense of what we see.

Gestalt Psychology: A school of psychology that focuses on how people perceive and experience objects as whole patterns or configurations.