WWI Dazzle Camouflage's Effectiveness Reevaluated in New Study

Modern research reveals the 'horizon effect,' not dazzle patterns, as the primary source of visual deception during naval warfare.

Aston University researchers revisited a 1919 study on dazzle camouflage, finding significant methodological flaws in its conclusions.
The study identified the 'horizon effect,' an unrelated optical illusion, as the main factor in confusing observers about ship direction.
Recreated experiments showed that both dazzled and non-dazzled ships exhibited similar visual distortions due to the horizon effect.
Introduced in 1917 by artist Norman Wilkinson, dazzle camouflage was widely adopted based on assumptions rather than rigorous evidence.
The findings underscore the importance of modern scientific standards in reexamining historical claims about military strategies.