Have you ever wanted to find out more about visual illusions, how to create them and how our minds work when we see them?

On this two-day workshop, you’ll be able to learn about how to create visual illusions with computers. On the first evening, you’ll take a look at visual illusion through online demonstrations and videos, while also looking at the history behind them. On the second evening, you’ll be able to have a go at programming with a basic introduction to Python and an application called PsychoPy. By the end of the course, everyone taking part will be able to program one classic illusion, and the skills you’ll learn will be invaluable to anyone with interest in developing their coding skills.

The workshop session will be co-led by the Visual Perception Lab at the University of Liverpool and FACT. The event is organised by FACT and Marco Bertamini and will be co-delivered with Cefn Hoile, a creative technologist, Python expert & entrepreneur, who has previously worked at BT R&D and with MIT. Cefn completed his Phd at HighWire doctoral training centre in Lancaster University and went on to set up the Makers of Morcambe and Shrimping.it projects.

Sessions run 6pm to 9pm on both the 9 and 10 of January.

No previous experience necessary to take part. Participants must be able to attend both sessions.

Sessions will be tailored for groups aged 11-16 and 17-25.

This workshop is delivered as part of the Open Lab programme at FACT, an ongoing series of open drop-in sessions for creators, designers, makers and creative industries professionals. Open Lab is Inspired by the idea of citizen labs, and encourages exchange and interaction between the worlds of art and creative technology.

Coding Visual Illusion is funding by the Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Scheme.