The "dazzle" design was created by British artist Norman Wilkinson over a century ago.

 During the First World War, he first invented it with the capacity to distort perceptions

Because of its pattern of white and black zigzag lines, it may be difficult for opposing ships to 

 which way the dazzle is pointing. Since then, the dazzle pattern has developed 

 into something more complex and sophisticated, mimicking the swirls of optical illusions

Some artists have even used it as a technique or design.