A visual clue in a design that tells you how something is meant to be used, before you ever try it. A button that looks pressable or a slider that looks draggable both have strong affordances.
Synonyms
- perceived affordance
- action cue
Related terms
In plain words
- how a thing shows you what you can do with it
- when a button just looks clickable
Usage example
The raised, shadowed edge gives the button an affordance that says press me.
Don't confuse with…
- signifierAn affordance is what an object lets you do; a signifier is the specific mark that advertises that possibility.
Categories
- Usability principles