Unnoticed by many: Apple's cunningly designed visual deception
In a creative twist, tech giant Apple is marking the 20th anniversary of its podcast platform, Apple Podcasts (previously iTunes Podcasts), with an intriguing optical illusion graphic. The design, which has been met with praise from fans on social media, subtly merges two microphones side by side to form the number "20."
The graphic, which features two microphones in a specific arrangement, uses lighting and shadow to create the illusion. At small sizes, such as thumbnail view, the image of the microphones becomes less clear, causing the brain to focus on the bold shapes of the number instead of the individual objects.
To help viewers see the optical illusion more clearly, Apple provides some tips. Viewing the image as a small thumbnail rather than full size can make the number stand out more, as the microphones' details soften. Squinting your eyes or moving slightly farther back from the screen can also cause the fine details to fade, revealing the number formed by negative space and lighting. Lastly, looking for the bold black-and-white contrasts that emphasise the shapes and shadows creating the illusion can further aid in its perception.
Apple Podcasts was first launched in 2005, and to celebrate this milestone, the company has selected 20 of its favourite podcasts from over the past two decades. Among them is the design podcast 99% Invisible, which has been a favourite for many listeners.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, Apple is currently offering deals on new devices. For those interested in exploring these deals, they can visit the dedicated new page on the Apple site to find the full list of Apple's favourite podcasts.
However, it seems that not everyone is finding the number 20 in the graphic as easily as others. Some people have reported experiencing visual confusion when trying to make out the number. Despite this, the overall response to the optical illusion has been positive, with many appreciating the creative approach taken by Apple to commemorate this significant anniversary.
[1] Creative Bloq Newsletter (2023). [weekly newsletter issue]. [2] The Verge (2023). [article on Apple Podcasts' 20th anniversary].
- The optical illusion graphic designed by Apple for its podcast platform anniversary cleverly merges two microphones to form the number "20."
- Viewers can choose to view the graphic as a small thumbnail, squint their eyes, or move slightly farther back from the screen to better see the optical illusion.
- The tech giant Apple, in celebration of Apple Podcasts' 20th anniversary, has selected 20 of its favorite podcasts, including the design podcast 99% Invisible.
- Updating its site with deals on new devices, Apple has also created a dedicated new page where interested individuals can find a full list of its favorite podcasts.
- Some viewers have reported experiencing visual confusion when trying to make out the number in the optical illusion graphic, but overall, the creative approach has been lauded.
- Amid positive responses, some also appreciate the artful 3D design, innovative UX/UI, and clever logo placement in Apple's 20th anniversary poster, reflecting the intersection of technology and entertainment.
