The Cognitive Type Project -- Mapping Typography to Cognition

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Cognitive Type Project, which develops computational tools to design typefaces with specific cognitive properties, aiming to enhance readability, user engagement, and personalization in various contexts.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to mapping typography to cognition using computational tools, addressing the labor-intensive process of creating varied typefaces for cognitive research.

Findings

Development of computational tools for typeface design

Potential to improve readability and user engagement

Facilitates personalized and cognitive-aware typography

Abstract

The Cognitive Type Project is focused on developing computational tools to enable the design of typefaces with varying cognitive properties. This initiative aims to empower typographers to craft fonts that enhance click-through rates for online ads, improve reading levels in children's books, enable dyslexics to create personalized type, or provide insights into customer reactions to textual content in media. A significant challenge in research related to mapping typography to cognition is the creation of thousands of typefaces with minor variations, a process that is both labor-intensive and requires the expertise of skilled typographers. Cognitive science research highlights that the design and form of letters, along with the text's overall layout, are crucial in determining the ease of reading and other cognitive properties of type such as perceived beauty and memorability. These factors affect not only the legibility and clarity of information presentation but also the likability of a typeface.