The Role of Fractal Fluency on Visual Perception

From quarks to galaxies, the natural world is organized with fractal geometry. Fractal fluency theory suggests that due to their omnipresence in our visual world, fractals are more fluently processed by the visual system resulting in enhanced cognitive performance and aesthetics. However prior research has yet to define the boundaries of fractal perception. Thus, the present dissertation aims to explore 1) how individual differences and 2) inclusion of additional structure impact fractal perception, as well as define the unique contribution of fractal statistics on 3) visual judgments in Euclidean space and 4) memory performance. In four empirical chapters, I demonstrate robust trends in fractal perception across wide variation in viewing conditions. Moreover, fractals are shown to be perceived as definitively unique compared to nonfractal images. Together these findings provide insight into how the visual system handles self-repeating patterns and reaffirms the vast potential of fractal installments for occupant wellbeing