The phrase "disorienting effect" means something that makes you feel confused, lost, or unsure of your surroundings. It causes a disruption or disturbance to your perception or understanding of the situation. Full definition
Working in a smaller scale, Reisewitz also constructs playful photocollages that have an unexpected disorienting effect on the viewer. (artspace.com)
Sharp planes activate negative and positive space, glass and mirror create disorienting effects, and screw holes, scuffs, and pencil marks leave traces of the history of construction. (jamescohan.com)
Correctly aware that our self - enclosed existence walls us off from reality, they affirm the disturbing, disorienting effects of multiculturalism and allied ideologies. (firstthings.com)