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Face space is a theoretical idea in psychology such that it is a multidimensional space in which recognizable faces are stored. The representation of faces within this space are according to invariant features of the face itself. However, recently it was theoretically demonstrated that faces can be stored in the face space according to their dynamic features as well, and that in this case the resulting space exhibits a twofold structure.
The face space framework has been highly influential in recent face processing theory; cited in almost 1000 scientific articles and recently revisited in a special edition of the journal Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology featuring the top 10 ideas that have appeared in the journal's pages.
Face space is useful for accounting various aspects of face recognition including, the own-race bias, distinctiveness and caricature effects. The framework has also provided useful applications in the design of forensic techniques for eyewitness identification, such as facial composites and police lineups.