Affordances

Affordances refer to the cues or signals an interface element gives to indicate its functionality or interactivity. Essentially, affordances help users understand what actions they can take without having to think too much. For example, a button that looks clickable usually has visual traits like a 3D appearance, shadow, or hover effect to indicate you can press it.

In the digital world, affordances are crucial because they guide users' behavior and make navigation more intuitive. Poor affordances can lead to confusion and frustration, while good ones make for a seamless, enjoyable experience. Overall, affordances bridge the gap between design intention and user expectations, playing a vital role in usability.