Don’t judge a book by its cover! Biometric research on selected book covers

Abstract

The article is devoted to biometric research on typographically unusual book covers. The definition of biometric research is presented, with particular emphasis on eyetracking and facetracking, and attention is paid to the course of the reading process. The following part of the text presents the results of biometric research focused on three typographically unusual covers. Eye Tracker Tobii Pro Fusion 250 Hz and iMotions Biometric Research Platform 9 software were used for the measurements. The aim of the study was to check the feelings and behaviours accompanying contact with the covers. A group of students was examined. Eye-catching fragments were determined thanks to the use of eyetracking, while facetracking made it possible to detect the emotions accompanying the reception of the covers. Book cover designers and graphic designers can use the study’s findings to determine the impact of the unusual typography on the cover’s reception by readers.