Image for Palmer's model of visual attention

Palmer's model of visual attention

Palmer's model of visual attention describes how our eyes select and prioritize what to focus on in a scene. It suggests that attention is guided by two main processes: a rapid, automatic "bottom-up" process driven by the scene's visual features (like bright colors or movement), and a more deliberate "top-down" process based on our goals, expectations, and knowledge. Our attention shifts between these modes depending on the situation, helping us quickly notice important things while also focusing on particular objects or areas based on our current tasks or interests.