Talking about Type: CEDARS+
summary
CEDARS+ is a practical descriptor system that breaks type into measurable variables and ships as a searchable filter on I Love Typography since 2021. It maps specific axes like contrast (extreme contrast causes shimmering on screens), energy (stroke speed and liveliness), loops and transitions, axis, width and rhythm, and construction, and it supports Latin, Arabic and other scripts. The system links each variable to legibility and functional use so designers can pick low contrast for UI, or higher energy for dynamism.
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chapters (14)
- 0:00Introduction and personal note
- 1:44Why CEDARS+ was created
- 3:12Understanding type face variability
- 6:42Type descriptors vs traditional categories
- 8:28Contrast as a key descriptor
- 12:25Energy levels in type design
- 15:59Details: Finals and stems
- 19:33Transitions and their impact
- 20:58Fill styles in typography
- 22:25Letter A: Axis and rhythm
- 24:28Width and tempo in type
- 26:35Structure: Loops and construction
- 30:30Expression and subconscious messaging
- 31:36CEDARS+ as a filtering system
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