The ‘Apple’ Test: How Do You See in Your Head?

The "apple" test has become a popular way to explore how people experience visualisation in their minds. It asks you to imagine an apple and rate how clearly you see it, from 1 (vivid, detailed image) to 5 (nothing at all). This simple test has sparked conversations about how differently people experience mental imagery.

I always thought I could see things clearly in my head. I’ve designed many things in my mind first, walking through complex ideas and troubleshooting in 3D, before ever putting them on paper. I can imagine designs and concepts in full detail, so when the apple test came along, I naturally thought I’d be a "one." But then something interesting happened during a mediumship session—I saw an image of Santa, and for the first time, it was in full colour.

That moment made me realise that, while I can visualise detailed concepts in my head, my usual thoughts aren’t in full colour. I hadn’t noticed before, but the designs I create in my mind are detailed but more like blueprints or concepts without vivid hues. The image of Santa in full colour stood out because it was the first time I truly experienced that level of visualisation. It made me reassess what I thought about how I see things in my head.

Realising the Range of Mental Imagery

The apple test revealed that people’s inner worlds are more diverse than we often realise. While some see images as clear and colourful as real life, others experience them as outlines, shadows, or even nothing at all. I fall somewhere in between—I can design and imagine in rich detail, but the colours aren’t usually part of the experience. It’s more about the structure, shape, and functionality of the image in my head rather than a vivid picture.

It’s subjective, though. Some people who score a "five" on the apple test may feel like they’re missing something, but really, they just process information differently. I’ve found that as a palm reader, this inner world can even be reflected in physical traits.For instance, people with shorter pinky fingers often tend to overthink, like me, though I’m not sure how they visualise things in their heads. It’s an interesting connection between how we process thoughts and how we interpret the world.

Visualisation and Neurodivergence

As someone with ADHD and dyslexia, I’ve always had a strong ability to visualise complex ideas and walk through designs mentally. I can troubleshoot in my mind, imagining in full detail how things work, almost like 3D problem-solving. But that experience is less about vivid colours and more about the intricate details of how things function. It’s a useful skill for designing or creating, but I now know it’s different from the way others might experience mental imagery.

Neurodivergent people often have unique mental processes that blend creativity with problem-solving, and I’ve noticed that my way of visualising fits into that. I can hold onto detailed designs and ideas in my head for a long time before ever needing to sketch them out. But, unlike some, the images aren’t filled with colour—my mind focuses on the structural details instead.

Embracing the Subjectivity of the Apple Test

Whether you score a "one" or a "five" on the apple test, the way you visualise is valid. There’s no right or wrong way to think—some people experience bright, colourful images, while others, like me, focus on the details and functionality of an image without the colour. I’ve learned to appreciate the diversity in how our minds work, and I see it reflected in my readings.

In conclusion, the apple test reminds us that everyone’s mind works differently, and that’s something to celebrate. Whether you see in full colour, like some of my friends who can "see" their thoughts clearly in the air, or whether your mental imagery is more abstract, your inner world is uniquely yours.

Extra Info on Visualisation

• Aphantasia describes those who cannot form mental images, which corresponds to scoring a "five" on the apple test.

• Hyperphantasia is the opposite, where people see images in vivid, lifelike detail, almost like watching a movie in their head.

• Neurodivergent individuals, like those with ADHD or dyslexia, often experience visualisation in unique ways, combining creativity with detailed problem-solving.

How do you see the apple in your mind? Do you experience full colour, or is your visualisation more abstract, like mine? Let’s celebrate the incredible diversity of our inner worlds. -Ang