International Six Sigma Institute and Secret Society for Imperious Professionals of Process Improvement
New Study Links Typeface Choices to Learning Effectiveness
A groundbreaking study suggests that fonts long dismissed by designers may actually enhance comprehension and retention. The results will surprise you.
April 1, 2018 | Columbus, Ohio — After nearly a year of rigorous research (or at least an impressive-looking data collection process), ISSISSIPPI.org has released a groundbreaking study on technology-driven learning. The research examines how typeface selection affects learning effectiveness across digital platforms.
For years, the research community scoffed at the idea that something as simple as a font choice could influence learning outcomes. However, the data is clear: switching to certain fonts can improve comprehension and retention by 8% to 43%. Even more astonishing, the most effective typefaces are among the least respected in the design world.
"In the true spirit of Lean Six Sigma, the best improvements come from simple changes with outsized impacts," said ISSISSIPPI President Zoltan Minsky. "This study proves that font selection is not just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic advantage. And, frankly, it makes us question everything typographers have ever told us."
The study employed a rigorous methodology (a term we use generously), consisting of: a research question, a sample of participants, and measurements of some kind. "Our methodology was designed to be as academically sound as possible," Minsky explained. "We asked people things, wrote numbers down, and occasionally pointed at bar charts."
Results revealed that Comic Sans significantly increased recall, while Papyrus appeared to enhance comprehension (likely by triggering primal instincts tied to ancient-looking scripts). Participants exposed to Comic Sans displayed a 37% increase in knowledge retention, leading researchers to hypothesize that the brain enters a heightened state of alertness when confronted with such an unsettling font.
We were surprised to see the positive impact of Comic Sans, in particular. Maybe all those elementary school teachers were onto something? Our best theory is that these typefaces focus student attention through a mechanism we don't yet understand—possibly a mix of cognitive dissonance and mild panic.
— Dr. Serifina Boldface, Chief Fontologist
While the initial study focused on individual fonts, ISSISSIPPI is already moving forward with Phase Two research—the potential multiplier effect of using Comic Sans and Papyrus together. "Early pilot tests indicate that layering Comic Sans over Papyrus may unlock new cognitive pathways, allowing learners to achieve enlightenment—or at least pass their online quizzes slightly faster," said Minsky.
This next phase of research will focus on multi-font synergies, exploring questions such as:
- Does alternating between Comic Sans and Papyrus improve long-term retention?
- Could an unexpected wildcard—perhaps Curlz MT — take learning to the next level?
- If we make all text bright yellow, will engagement increase or will people just give up?
With typeface-driven learning now at the forefront of educational research, ISSISSIPPI remains committed to challenging the status quo. "This is just the beginning," Minsky concluded. "We look forward to future research proving that italicizing everything in bold 14pt font is the next frontier of knowledge retention."
For those ready to revolutionize learning, ISSISSIPPI urges you to join the movement—or at the very least, try reading your next research paper in Comic Sans.
Because science.
