About CID

Lou Tetlan’s interest in the neurocognitive aspect of learning led her to focus on presenting information based on how the brain processes information. In pursuit of this focus she developed CID, Cognitive-based Information Design.

She is a published researcher as well as a national & international speaker.  Lou was an Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, serving in the Neuroradiology Lab on fMRI studies of the brain from 2009–2015. In addition she taught at Universities on a contractual basis while giving workshops & presentations on CID.  In the fall of 2016 she initiated The CID Group, LLC in order to advance public awareness of CID & its potential to create more effective visual communication.

She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, as well as her Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Business.  She holds a BFA in Art History [minor in Linguistics] from Drake University & a VIS Certification in Art History & Studio Arts from the Venezia Isola di Studi, Venice, Italy.

Lou’s experiences transverse varied fields of knowledge giving her the ability to apply multiple perspectives to topics & situations. She has spent over 20 years researching how the brain processes information.  Her own research has focused on the science of reading & the effect format design has on engagement, understanding & recall.

Prior to earning her PhD she worked with institutions nationwide in developing cultural & educational programs along with developing materials for corporations, communities & schools.  She worked over 15 years in the business field ranging from small to major Fortune 100 corporations.

Her career in business, government & education has led to the development of skills in management, collaborative leadership & effective methods for redesigning two-dimensional visual communication.