Affordance Theory (Gibson / Norman)

Overview

Affordance Theory explains how actors perceive and realize action possibilities offered by objects or environments. Gibson's ecological view holds that affordances are relational properties existing between actor and environment, independent of perception. Norman adapted the concept for design — perceived affordances guide user interaction, and signifiers communicate where action is possible. In IS research, affordance theory explains how technology enables (or constrains) organizational action.

When to Use

• Analyzing why users can or cannot effectively use a technology
• Designing interfaces that communicate functionality clearly
• Explaining how the same technology produces different outcomes in different organizations
• Bridging the gap between technology features and organizational practices

When NOT to Use

• Predicting adoption likelihood (use TAM/UTAUT)
• Measuring usability metrics quantitatively (use SUS or heuristic evaluation)
• When the focus is purely on aesthetic design without functional implications