What’s the deal with the eyes?

Constriction of the pupil (miosis) observed by Doppler holography via Wikipedia

So, I’m a New York Times crossword puzzle junkie. I’m pretty good, but of course there are times when I’m completely stumped by a clue. When that happens, I like to try to discover the answer, rather than be told what the answer is. It’s an opportunity to learn something new, and feels slightly less like cheating.

And that’s story of how I ended up on the Wikipedia page for Iris (anatomy). The crossword clue was “Part of an iris,” 5 letters. I perused the page and did not come upon anything that would be the answer (turned out the clue was referring to the flower), but I DID come upon this incredible, hypnotizing GIF, created by Dr. Michael Atlan using Doppler holography to capture a pupil constricting in response to light. Seeing that the image was licensed under the Creative Commons, I felt determined to give this beautiful work more exposure (pun intended!).

Fast-forward to the creation of Learning Unbound, and the attendant soul-searching that came with it around the organization’s identity, core values and mission. Learning Unbound is about getting outside the mental and physical walls that have traditionally separated different domains of learning, and seeing the infinite possibilities that exist for creating meaningful, engaging learning and connection when those walls are broken down. LU takes a learner-centered approach, meaning that we foreground the individual and universal humanity of learners. We design experiences that speak to their needs, interests, and goals, and create the space for them to make meaning, rather than imposing our own. LU stands for seeking connection, sidelining our egos, questioning our assumptions, and opening our eyes to what and who is out there. Atlan’s striking holography captures that quite literally.

The symbolism also inspired LU’s eyes-wide-open logo, designed by my fantastically talented art director-friend and co-crossword enthusiast, Kira Hadalski. A visual reminder to look around and take in the surprising, the awe-some, and the wonder-full to expand our horizons.

Here’s to broadening our gaze and taking in all the light!

Share your thoughts! What comes up for you when you look at Atlan’s image?