In a world where social networks and online games are increasingly present, visual challenges and speed tests are an integral part of our daily lives.
Among these challenges, one of them is particularly captivating and tests our ability to perceive and concentrate: it is to find the letter O among the Qs in an image in less than 15 seconds.
This challenge seems a priori simple, but only 7% of the population manages to take up this challenge in the allotted time.
In the following lines, we will explore in depth the mechanisms that make this challenge so difficult, as well as the tricks to improve its performance and the consequences of this type of exercise on our brain.
Ready to take the challenge ? Start signal, you have 15 seconds!
Visual challenge, find the letter O among the Qs in less than 15 seconds
The reasons for the difficulty of this visual challenge
Above all, it is essential to understand the reasons why this challenge is so difficult for the majority of people.
Several factors come into play:
- The resemblance between the letters O and Q: The main reason for the difficulty of this challenge lies in the visual proximity between the two letters. Indeed, the letter O is none other than the letter Q without its vertical bar. This similarity makes it difficult to quickly distinguish one from the other, especially when you are under time pressure.
- Time pressure: As mentioned before, having to find the letter O in less than 15 seconds adds an additional difficulty. Time pressure can cause stress and make the task even more difficult.
- The number of letters: The more Q letters there are to analyze, the more complex the task becomes. It is then necessary to carefully scrutinize each letter to identify the one that stands out from the others.
Tips for improving your performance in this challenge
Despite the apparent difficulty of this challenge, it is however possible to improve and increase your chances of success by putting certain tips into practice:
- The scanning technique: Instead of looking at each letter individually, it is advisable to scan the image with your gaze, starting from the top and gradually descending to the bottom, while scrutinizing each line horizontally. This method makes it possible to cover the whole image quickly and to increase its chances of spotting the letter O.
- Concentration: It is important to stay focused and not get distracted by the passage of time or by the other Q letters. Focusing on the objective is essential to succeeding in this challenge.
- Practice: As with any skill, practice is the key to success. The more we practice this challenge, the faster our brain gets used to distinguishing the differences between the letters O and Q, and the more our performance improves.
The consequences of this challenge on our brain
Engaging in this type of visual challenge can have beneficial effects on our brain:
- Reinforcement of concentration: Succeeding in this challenge requires staying focused on the objective and not getting distracted. Thus, by training regularly, we strengthen our ability to concentrate and pay attention.
- The stimulation of visual perception: To be able to quickly distinguish the letters O and Q, our brain must mobilize and sharpen its skills of visual perception. This exercise therefore stimulates this cognitive faculty and can contribute to the improvement of vision and shape recognition.
- Stress management: The time pressure imposed by this challenge can cause stress in some people. Learning to manage this stress and stay focused under pressure is a valuable skill in many aspects of daily and professional life.
- The development of perseverance: Faced with a difficult challenge like this, it is tempting to give up quickly. However, by practicing and persevering, we develop our ability to face obstacles and overcome setbacks.
The limits and controversies surrounding this visual challenge
Despite its apparent simplicity and beneficial effects on our brain, this visual challenge also raises some questions and controversies:
- The representativeness of the results: It is important to emphasize that the figures given concerning the success rate of this challenge (only 7% of people) must be taken with caution. Indeed, it is difficult to really assess the average performance of the population on this challenge, and it is possible that this figure is biased, we tested it on a sample of players.
- Performance variability: Visual skills and concentration vary from one individual to another, and it is therefore normal that some people are more comfortable with this type of challenge than others. It is important not to be discouraged by poor results and to keep training to improve.
- The relevance of this challenge: Some might question the interest of this challenge, deeming it not very useful or insignificant. However, it should be remembered that this type of exercise stimulates our brain and improves certain cognitive skills, while providing a moment of entertainment and relaxation.
The solution in pictures
Here is the solution of this visual challenge in image:
Solution of the visual challenge, find the letter O among the Qs in less than 15 seconds
The visual challenge of finding the letter O among the Qs in less than 15 seconds is an exercise that is both entertaining and stimulating for our brains. Although difficult, it is possible to improve its performance by applying certain tricks and training regularly. The beneficial effects of this challenge on concentration, visual perception, stress management and perseverance make it an interesting exercise to incorporate into our daily routine.
Keep in mind the limitations and controversies surrounding this challenge, and not to overemphasize our results, but rather enjoy this moment of relaxation and brain stimulation. You can play with friends or family, do not hesitate to share this challenge with your loved ones.

I am a student and I am part of the editorial staff of joehovasmf.com. I have the chance to enjoy writing, however, I also like to discuss all subjects and especially anything related to Science.