Glossary
Affordance
What is an affordance?
An affordance is an action that an object or environment makes possible for someone. A handle can be grasped. Whether people recognize that possibility is a separate design question.
How it works
Gibson introduced the concept for perception and action. Norman adapted and clarified it for design, distinguishing affordances, perceived affordances, and learned conventions. A visible cue that communicates an action is a signifier. A button’s appearance is the cue; its affordance is the action it makes possible.
Applied example
A handle can support grasping and can also suggest pulling. If a door must be pushed, the cue may mislead. Likewise, underlining a link is a learned signal of clickability, not the physical ability to click.
Why it matters
The distinction helps designers examine both what a user can do and whether the interface communicates it. Clear cues still depend on user experience and context.