Quick look
A target flashes at a random spot – tap it as fast as you can and see your reaction time.
Quick look is a simple reaction game. A target appears for a short moment at a random position on the screen, and your job is to tap or click it as quickly as possible. After each hit, the game shows your reaction time, so you can see how fast you spot and respond to something new in your field of view. Then the next target appears somewhere else.
The game combines several skills: noticing a new object (often first with your side vision), shifting your gaze to it with a quick eye jump (saccade) and coordinating your hand to hit it. That chain of seeing, looking and acting is something we use constantly, from catching a ball to spotting a pedestrian stepping off the kerb. Practising it in a playful way gives you a lively break that wakes up attention, especially after long periods of concentrated reading or typing.
Keep in mind that reaction time depends on many factors, such as tiredness, caffeine, age, the device you use and its screen delay. Your score is a fun indicator for comparing your own sessions, not a medical measurement. Faster scores in this game do not mean better eyesight. For more structured gaze training, see saccade jumps; gamers may also like the gamer program.
How to do it
- Sit comfortably and rest your hand near the mouse, trackpad or screen.
- Press start and look at the centre of the screen.
- When a target appears, tap or click it as fast as you can.
- Check your reaction time after each hit.
- Continue until the round ends, then look at your average result.
- Rest your eyes by looking into the distance before playing again.
What it helps with
- A playful way to sharpen visual attention
- Practises the link between seeing, looking and acting
- Gives instant feedback on your reaction time
- A lively break that counters mental fatigue
Tips
- Use the same device each time if you want to compare results.
- Do not tense up – a relaxed hand reacts faster.
- Play a few short rounds rather than one long one.
Caution: Stop if you feel eye strain, headache or dizziness. People with photosensitive epilepsy should seek medical advice before using games with suddenly appearing targets. Reaction scores are not a medical test.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal reaction time?
Simple visual reaction times are often around a quarter of a second, but results depend heavily on the device, its screen delay and how alert you are.
Why are my scores slower on my phone?
Touch screens and displays have their own delays, so devices are not directly comparable.
Does a slow time mean something is wrong with my eyes?
Not necessarily. Tiredness and the device affect your score a lot. If you notice real changes in your vision, have an eye exam.