Which term refers to the understanding of how a design allows interaction within an environment?

The term that refers to the understanding of how a design allows interaction within an environment is affordances. Affordances describe the properties of an object that suggest how it can be used, guiding users in their interactions. For instance, a button’s shape and placement indicate that it can be pressed, while a handle indicates it can be pulled. Understanding affordances is crucial for designers as it helps create intuitive interfaces that align with user expectations and behaviors.

When a design effectively conveys its affordances, users can interact with it more easily and without confusion, enhancing the overall usability of the environment. This concept also extends to digital interfaces, where visual elements suggest functionality, reinforcing the idea that users should be able to understand how to engage with the system simply by observing its design.