affordance
uh-FOR-duhns
/əˈfɔːrdəns/
A property or feature of an object which presents a prompt on what can be done with it.
The physical design of an object should make its function immediately obvious. For example, a handle 'affords' pulling, while a flat plate 'affords' pushing.
The story behind the word. Coined by ecological psychologist James J. Gibson in 1977 to describe actionable properties between an actor and an environment. It was later adapted to industrial and digital design by Don Norman in his seminal book 'The Design of Everyday Things.'
Word relationships
- cue: A cue is a general signal or hint, whereas an affordance is a physical property of the object itself that enables and suggests an action.
Commonly confused with
- affordability: Affordability is the financial capacity to purchase something, while affordance is the physical property of an object that suggests its use.
Word family
- afford (verb): Provide or supply an opportunity or physical possibility.
Collocations
- perceived affordance
- physical affordance
- design affordance
Example sentences
- "The raised, textured surface of the power button provides an intuitive affordance, prompting the user to press it." Industrial design
Memory hook
An affordance 'affords' you the knowledge of how to use something without reading a manual. Affordance = Affords an action.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for 'affordability' (being cheap enough to buy). It is strictly a design term about intuitive usability.
Fun facts
- A classic design failure is the 'Norman Door'—a door with a handle that looks like you should pull it, but actually requires you to push. This is a failure of physical affordance.
Explore more words
materiality, spatial, posture, form factor, intentionality, unobtrusive
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