affordanssi

Affordanssi is a term used in the fields of design, psychology, and cognitive science. It refers to the perceived or actual properties of an object that suggest how it could be used. Essentially, affordances are the action possibilities that an environment offers to an organism. The concept was first introduced by psychologist James J. Gibson in his ecological approach to visual perception.

Gibson argued that the affordances of an object are not merely its physical properties but rather the relationship between the object and the capabilities of the actor. For example, a flat, horizontal surface of sufficient size affords support, meaning it can be stood or sat upon, but only if the actor is of a size and possesses the physical ability to do so. Similarly, a handle on a door affords grasping and pulling or pushing.

In design, the concept of affordance is crucial for creating intuitive and user-friendly products and interfaces. Good design makes affordances clear, guiding the user towards the intended use of an object or system without explicit instructions. Conversely, poor affordances can lead to confusion and errors. Donald Norman, a cognitive scientist and usability expert, further popularized the concept in his book "The Design of Everyday Things," distinguishing between perceived affordances (what a user thinks they can do) and actual affordances (what is actually possible). Understanding affordances helps designers create experiences that feel natural and easy to interact with.