“The Müller-Lyer illusion is an optical illusion consisting of a set of lines that end in arrowheads. The orientation of the arrowheads affects one’s ability to accurately perceive the length of the lines. Like most visual and perceptual illusions, the Müller-Lyer illusion helps neuroscientists study the way the brain and visual system perceive and interpret images. Artists have also utilized the illusion to great effect in their works” (New World Encyclopedia 2014). Optical illusions have a significant impact on perception, particularly visual perception. The Muller-Lyer illusion, as discussed is an optical illusion of lines with identical lengths perceived to be of different lengths, is one example of the effects on visual perception. This optical illusion is utilized in various industries. We can see the effects of this optical illusion in the fashion industry particularly.
Observe the fashion industry and what they strive to accomplish with their models. On the runway, the goal image of a model is that of a perfectly proportioned, tall, and slender being. In order to attain this goal to perfection, the fashion industry mimics the Muller-Lyer illusion in the creation of clothing. Different line lengths, thickness, and angles are used to create different visual perceptions.
Everyone wants to look their best, their most perfect selves whether it be thinner all over, taller, smaller in particular areas, wider, and shapelier. Optical illusions are used in fashion to attain a desired look for everyday people as well. Consider a high cut women’s bathing suit, with the angle of the bikini line to the waist area being more drastically angled and dramatic, a woman’s legs can be perceived as longer and slenderer. With the perfect arrangement of lines, optical illusions can completely alter visual perception of a person. “The diagonal stripes of varying widths and directions on this dress trick the eye into seeing a narrow waist. They also flatter the cleavage and hips, as diagonal stripes should always sit on the areas you want to appear smaller” (Scarborough 2015). This one particular designer discusses the exact use of lines in particular areas to create and enhance different looks. We can see how the optical illusion of the lines are a direct influence on the visual perception of a person.
References:
New World Encyclopedia Contributors. (2014) Muller-Lyer Illusion. In New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved from newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/muller-lyer_illusion.
Scarborough, E. (2015) Fashion illusions for every figure: From a trimmer waist to minimizing big busts, it’s all a trick of the eye. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3026633/Fashion-illusions-figure-trimmer-waist-minimising-big-busts-trick-eye.html
I would like to also add that because of top-down processing, the children and mother in Mrs. Doubtfire believed she was a woman because the mother was looking to hire a female nanny. Due to the expectations that the nanny would be female and the fact that Mrs. Doubtfire was dressed up to appear as a woman, that affected their interpretation.
Excellent comparison to the fashion industry. The Müller-Lyer illusion is used in a variety of industry, such as the beauty industry. Make up artist use make up to create a perception of ones face or body. An example can include changing the size of one’s nose, their abdominals, or in an extreme way can alter the person into an entirely different species (Avatar). Have you ever see Mrs. Doubtfire? Great example of the use of makeup to change the perception of how others see Robin Williams.