Models and Theories in Human-Computer Interaction/Norman's Affordances in Action

Norman's Affordances in Action (Tamara Sutton)

Norman’s book, The Psychology of Everyday Things, is one of my favorites that I enjoy referencing back to time and again. In his book he explains the importance of the affordance of “things”. Affordances being explained as the ‘perceived and actual properties of something’ and that they ‘provide strong clues of how things operate’. Items should be designed with visible parts that provide natural signals on how to they should be used.

This week I purchased a small 3 wheeled Radio Flyer scooter for a toddler’s birthday gift. My son who is 2 years old immediately investigated the scooter. I can’t recall if he had seen on before, and he doesn't have one. However, he was able to quickly figure out that the handles (much like those of a tricycle, big wheel and bike) were for his hands. He then climbed with both feet onto the footpad. He know’s from his bike that wheel’s are made for motion and after motioning with this body to get the scooter to move, he took one foot down to push the scooter. Within a minute of seeing the it, he was able to determine the correct way to use it.

This example displays how you take information from past experiences and quickly apply it as you perceive something new. My son knew that something wasn’t right when he had two feet on the footpad, the feedback he received was he was that he was not in motion. When he made an adjustment (taking one foot down to push on the floor), he received positive feedback because the motion was accomplished as a result of his action. It was fun to see the Norman principles in action with a two year old. It also displays a good conceptual model of the scooter. (It was indicated for children ages 2-5.)

References: Norman, D. (1988). The psychology of everyday things. New York: Basic Books.