99% Invisible Full Spectrum
Aug 31, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Adam Rogers, a science writer for Wired and author of 'Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern', unpacks the infamous viral dress that sparked a global color debate. He delves into why we perceive colors differently, exploring the psychology and science behind our visual experiences. The conversation traverses historical milestones, such as the architectural marvels of the 1893 World's Fair, and the evolution of the color wheel, revealing how color influences culture and identity.
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The Dress Debate
- In 2015, a photo of a dress sparked widespread debate, dividing people into those who saw it as blue/black and those who saw it as white/gold.
- This debate highlighted how our brains perceive color differently, even with the same image.
Color Perception Lock-in
- Unlike illusions of form where perceptions flip, color perception tends to lock in.
- This inflexibility fuels disagreements as people struggle to understand differing viewpoints.
Color Constancy and The Dress
- Our brains perceive color by combining the color of an object with the color of the light illuminating it.
- The "dress" photo's ambiguity about lighting conditions caused differing color perceptions.
