“A property in which the physical characteristics of an object or environment influence its function.â€
Some objects are more suited for some functions than others. Round wheels are better suited than square wheels for rolling. Therefore, round wheels are said to better afford rolling. This doesn´t mean that the square wheels cannot be rolled, rather that their physical characteristics influence the way they function and are likely to be used.
When the affordance of an object corresponds with its intended function, the design will perform more efficiently and will be easier to understand. Conversely, when the affordance of an object conflicts with its intended function, the design will perform less efficiently and be more difficult to use.
For example, a door with handle affords pulling. Sometimes doors with handles are designed to open only by pushing, which means that the affordance of the handle conflicts with the doors intended function. Anyway if we replace the handle with a flat plate, it will afford pushing, which means that the affordance of the flat plate corresponds to the way in which the door can be used. This means that the design is improved.
