The Use and Misuse of the Conceptof Affordance
Leonardo Burlamaqui and Andy Dong
The concept of affordance, originating from Gibson's ecological psychology, has evolved into a framework within design disciplines, notably in understanding how users interact with artefacts. This paper critiques the varying interpretations and applications of affordance in design, establishing a clear definition and proposing a framework to enhance designer control over perceived affordances.
Key Points
Affordance Definition: Affordance refers to the cues that indicate potential uses of an artefact by an agent within a specific context. It emphasizes the relational dynamics between the artefact, the agent, and their environment.
Misinterpretations: Different fields have interpreted affordance inconsistently, leading to confusion in design applications. For example, Norman emphasized perceived affordances, diverting attention from the actual action possibilities an artefact provides.
Framework for Design: The authors propose a framework that clarifies how designers can enhance affordances through intentional design and contextual considerations, allowing for better user experiences
Foundational Elements:
Artefact: The tangible object that offers actions based on its properties.
Agent: The user or actor capable of perceiving and interacting with the artefact.
Environment: The contextual factors that influence how affordances are perceived.
Perception: The sensory experience linking the agent to the artefact, is crucial for recognizing affordances.
Potential Use: The expected actions an agent might take based on their understanding of the artefact’s affordances.
THESIS PROJECT TAKEAWAYS
For sprinters, understanding affordances can transform the training experience. By integrating contextual cues (like track conditions) and sensory feedback (visual indicators during runs), an app, tool, or service can enhance a sprinter's performance through more intuitive interactions. This not only improves usability but also empowers athletes to maximize their potential on the track.
Burlamaqui, L., Dong, A. (2015). The Use and Misuse of the Concept of Affordance. In: Gero, J., Hanna, S. (eds) Design Computing and Cognition '14. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14956-1_17