Science AMA Series: I’m Beau Lotto, a neuroscientist who specializes in
the biology and psychology of perception. I just wrote a book called
DEVIATE about the science of seeing differently and am here to talk
about it. AMA!
Abstract
Hello Reddit! I am Dr. Beau Lotto, a neuroscientist fascinated with
human perception for over 25 years now. Originally from Seattle,
Washington, I have lived in the United Kingdom for over twenty years and
is a Professor at University College London. I received my undergraduate
degree from UC Berkeley, my PhD from the University of Edinburgh Medical
School, and was a fellow at Duke University. I’m Founder / CEO of Ripple
Inc, which is a NY based company which owns IP (and patents) in AR
Ripple has two products: Meego and Traces. The former is a Social
platform and the latter an Enterprise platform … both in AR. I am
also the Founder and CEO of Lab of Misfits Studio, the world’s first
neuro-design studio. The lab creates unique real-world
‘experiential-experiments’ that places the public at the centre of the
process of discovery. By spanning social and personal boundaries between
people, brands and institutions, our aim is to create, expand and apply
their insights into what it is to be perceiving human. What is
perception? Perception is the foundation of human experience, but few of
us understand why we see what we do, much less how. By revealing the
startling truths about the brain and its perceptions, I show that the
next big innovation is not a new technology: it is a new way of seeing!
What do we really see? Do we really see reality? We never see the world
as it actually is, but only the world that is useful for us to see. Our
brains have not evolved to see the world accurately. In my new book
DEVIATE, and what I’m here to talk about today, is the science of
perception, how we can see differently, and how to unlock our ability to
create, innovate and effect change. You can check out my recent TED Talk
on the subject, or poke around my website to see some optical illusions,
and feel free to ask me questions about things like dressgate, and how
to use perception in nature, groups, while using technology and in
solitude – and how we can unlock our creative potential in every aspect
of our lives. I will be back at 11 am ET to answer your questions, ask
me anything! Thank you for all your questions, they were terrific —
I’m signing off now! I will try to come back later an answer a few more
questions. But for now, thank you.