The Perception & Action Podcast cover image

The Perception & Action Podcast

520 – Okkulo - A Training System for Manipulating Visual Constraints in Sports (JC 45)

Dec 10, 2024
Mel O'Connor, the visionary founder of Okkulo Ltd., and Jack Woodburn, a former soccer goalkeeper turned sports scientist, dive into the groundbreaking world of visual training for athletes. They discuss how manipulating ambient light can drastically improve visual perception and decision-making in sports like soccer, baseball, and UFC. The duo also shares insights on overcoming colorblindness challenges in sports and the exciting potential of their training system to enhance cognitive functions. Tune in for a fresh perspective on athletic performance!
40:08

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Okkulo's innovative training system uses manipulated light conditions to significantly enhance athletes' visual perception and reaction times.
  • The system's design facilitates a challenging yet effective adaptation process that ultimately improves depth perception for superior sports performance.

Deep dives

Development of Oculo Training Environment

Oculo is a novel visual training environment that adjusts light levels to enhance athletes' perceptual skills. The idea emerged from Mel's background in film and television, where he recognized the impact of light on perception while reviewing a scientific paper on visual perception changes under varying light conditions. This inspired him to explore whether manipulating light could improve athlete performance by increasing their ability to perceive and react to stimuli. Over the years, Oculo has evolved through extensive research and development, leading to effective training applications for various sports.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode