Pareidolia is the term for the human tendency to identify shapes and images in things, such as in cloud formations. A great example of pareidolia is seeing the face of Jesus or Mary in random images. Some are natural, some are PR stunts (Cow made Wayne Rooney’s face appear on a map out of sesame seeds) and some are done with image manipulation programs.
Personally I find the subtle ones the most powerful. See if you can find Jesus in the hash brown or the tree (sigh - oh for God’s sake).
Intentional Pareidolia
Photoshopped Illusions
Trend Themes
1. Augmented Pareidolia - Using augmented reality technology to enhance pareidolia experiences and create interactive illusions.
2. Crowdsourced Pareidolia - Engaging users to submit their own pareidolia findings and creating a community around shared illusions.
3. Pareidolia Marketing - Utilizing pareidolia in advertising and branding campaigns to capture attention and create memorable associations.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Integrating image manipulation tools to enable users to create pareidolia illusions in their photographs.
2. Augmented Reality - Developing apps and platforms that overlay virtual objects and characters to enhance pareidolia experiences.
3. Advertising and Marketing - Exploring creative ways to incorporate pareidolia in campaigns to connect with audiences and generate brand engagement.