Design System
Optical illusions that vibrate, pulse, and warp. A 1960s movement that turned perception into art.
High-contrast combinations create visual tension. Black and white form the foundation, with carefully calibrated complementary pairs for maximum optical vibration.
When placed adjacent, complementary colors create a vibrating edge effect that appears to shimmer.
Clean geometric sans-serifs that remain legible against intense pattern backgrounds. Typography serves as an anchor of stability amid optical chaos.
A rhythmic 8px base unit creates consistent visual intervals. Precise spacing prevents patterns from overwhelming content.
Interactive elements with subtle optical effects on hover. Movement creates engagement without overwhelming the interface.
Clean, high-contrast inputs that maintain legibility. Focus states use offset shadows to create depth without pattern interference.
Content containers with optical pattern headers. Hover states activate subtle animations that bring patterns to life.
Radiating circles create a hypnotic tunnel effect that appears to recede into infinity.
Angled parallel lines generate apparent motion and directional energy across the surface.
Curved repetitions produce an undulating visual rhythm that mimics water or sound waves.
Core optical patterns used throughout the design system. Hover to activate motion effects.
Structured information with high contrast for maximum legibility. Pattern indicators provide visual categorization.
| Artist | Pattern | Era | Status | Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridget Riley | 1960s-Present | Active | 2000+ | |
| Victor Vasarely | 1930s-1997 | Historical | 1500+ | |
| Jesús Rafael Soto | 1950s-2005 | Historical | 800+ | |
| Carlos Cruz-Diez | 1950s-2019 | Historical | 1200+ | |
| Richard Anuszkiewicz | 1960s-2020 | Historical | 500+ |
Compact labels with optional pattern backgrounds. Used for status, categories, and visual tagging.
The foundational concepts that define Op Art and guide the application of optical effects in design.
Create visual instability through high-contrast juxtapositions. The eye struggles to focus, generating apparent movement and vibration at the edges of forms.
Optical effects require exact calculations. The spacing, angle, and frequency of elements must be precisely calibrated to achieve the desired perceptual phenomenon.
The artwork is incomplete without the viewer. Op Art activates in the act of looking - movement, depth, and color emerge from the interaction between eye and image.
Use optical effects purposefully. Too much visual stimulation overwhelms rather than engages. Balance pattern intensity with areas of visual rest.
Prolonged viewing of high-contrast patterns produces complementary color afterimages. Design with awareness of how the eye adapts and what residual images remain.
The most powerful Op Art creates movement from static elements. Without animation or motion, carefully arranged forms appear to undulate, pulse, and breathe.