Affordance Web
What is the concept of affordance?
Affordance is a concept from psychology and design that refers to the properties of an object or interface element that allow users to understand how to use it without additional explanations. In terms of web design, effective affordance guides the user instinctively about what actions they can take, such as clicking a button or entering text into a field.
For example, a button designed with an embossed appearance and a clear label will encourage users to click on it, while an input field with a blinking cursor invites users to enter text.
Affordances can be of various types:
- Physical affordances: Based on shape and texture, for example a raised button that seems to be clickable.
- Symbolic affordances: Use easily understandable icons or symbols, such as a diskette icon to “save.”
- Textual affordances: Information provided by text, such as labels and instructions.
Good affordance design greatly improves the user experience by making interfaces intuitive and easy to use.
Discover more glossary terms
These definitions will allow you to deepen your knowledge of important concepts and words that are often used in our field.
A powerful site that matches your brand?
