Serif or sans serif typefaces? The effects of typefaces on consumers’ perceptions of activity and potency of brand logos

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of serif and sans serif typefaces in brand logos on consumers’ activity and potency perceptions of brands. It further examines the moderating roles of design freedom and brand value on these effects and their impact on consumers’ brand attitudes. Design/methodology/approach Five studies were conducted to address the research objectives. Studies 1a and 1b compared the consumer perceptions of a brand with either a serif or a sans serif logo, revealing that consumers perceive serif logos as more active but less potent. Studies 2a, 2b and 3 verify the moderating roles of design freedom and brand value on the effects of typefaces in brand logos on consumers’ perceptions and their overall effects on brand attitudes. Findings The results indicate that a serif brand logo enhances consumers’ activity perceptions of the brand, whereas a sans serif brand logo enhances consumers’ potency perceptions. The research further establishes that design freedom significantly impacts consumers’ perceptions of logos with varying typefaces and subsequently influences their brand attitudes. In addition, brand value moderates the effects of typefaces in brand logos on consumer perceptions and brand attitudes. Research limitations/implications This research exclusively focuses on serif and sans serif typefaces within brand logos and also considers the use of uppercase, lowercase, mixed case and black logo designs. However, brand logo design encompasses broader visual design considerations and aesthetic diversification. Practical implications The practical implications of this research mainly include three points. First, brands should invest more effort in designing brand logos, choosing serif for activity and sans serif for potency, to align with desired brand perceptions. Second, the typeface selection should match the brand’s approach to design freedom, with serif typefaces fostering activity in open brands and sans serif enhancing potency in more controlled brands. Finally, aligning the typeface choice with the brand values – serif for hedonic and sans serif for utilitarian—can significantly influence brand attitudes. Accordingly, they can guide market segmentation and target consumer selection. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of brand logo design by shedding light on the effects of serif and sans serif typefaces on consumers’ perceptions and brand attitudes. In addition, it explores the moderating influence of design freedom and brand value, offering insights into the conditions under which these effects manifest.