Your brand might be rooted in physical, mental, or spiritual movement—or maybe you just want to break away from your competitors’ static designs. Either way, incorporating illusory motion into your visuals can give your brand the dynamic edge it needs.

Take optical illusions, for example—some designs appear to breathe or ripple, creating the impression of movement even on a flat surface. This is where kinesthetic empathy comes into play: a psychological response where viewers unconsciously feel or mirror the motion they see. The impact can be so strong that they may lean forward, pull back, or subtly sway—like riding a mini roller coaster—building an instant visual connection with your audience.

But remember, simplicity is key. Using too many motion effects in one design can overwhelm the viewer and even cause discomfort. Avoid blurring outlines on text, as it can cross the line from intriguing to unreadable.

Be mindful with color choices, too. Warm colors tend to push forward, while cooler tones recede. This can influence how viewers perceive motion and rhythm in your design. While color dynamics are more about flow than illusion, they can easily blur together—so ensure contrast enhances, rather than hinders, your intended visual movement.

Next, we’ll explore nine techniques you can use to create compelling illusions of motion.