Michael Bach1. 1. Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland, michael.bach@uni-freiburg.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The overexposed photograph of a dress caused a worldwide media hype in February 2015. The picture of the dress was posted on a social site with the question of which colour it was. Markedly different views on the color were voiced and strongly defended. OBJECTIVE: The phenomenon is presented in this article, the actual color of the dress is clarified and a discussion on why such conflicting views were held is presented. CONCLUSION: It becomes clear that in the perception of colors we unconsciously but appropriately take the lighting situation into consideration. Because we additionally name colors categorically, small differences in hue and illumination can lead to an assignment to very different categories.
BACKGROUND: The overexposed photograph of a dress caused a worldwide media hype in February 2015. The picture of the dress was posted on a social site with the question of which colour it was. Markedly different views on the color were voiced and strongly defended. OBJECTIVE: The phenomenon is presented in this article, the actual color of the dress is clarified and a discussion on why such conflicting views were held is presented. CONCLUSION: It becomes clear that in the perception of colors we unconsciously but appropriately take the lighting situation into consideration. Because we additionally name colors categorically, small differences in hue and illumination can lead to an assignment to very different categories.
Authors: Caterina Ripamonti; Marina Bloj; Robin Hauck; Mitha Kiran; Scott Greenwald; Shannon I Maloney; David H Brainard Journal: J Vis Date: 2004-09-08 Impact factor: 2.240