Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
A Case Study of Affordance and Affordance Feature Identification through User Observation
Kim, Yong Se; Kim, Min Kyoung; Jeong, Ji Yun; Park, Jin A
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s):
453-464
Abstract:
This paper investigates the relationships between affordances and affordance features, which are very critical to conveniently allow human activities or behaviors under given tasks. Affordance features are structural elements of the environment where the tasks are conducted that are closely related to affordances. We conducted a case study in a public space - a building lobby - used by many general people. User activities and behaviors were analyzed in several specific tasks given to twenty participants in the lobby of a building they have never visited before. Then we identified affordances and building structure elements, called affordance features, critically related to those affordances. The affordance features have hierarchical nature, ranging from areas to detailed attributes. Affordance-feature map obtained from user activity studies could be used in developing a repository for affordance based design so that specific affordance features could be retrieved in support of certain affordances.
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