Appropriating affordances. Three practice based explorations

Abstract

Affordance and Appropriation are related. An effective way of examining these phenomena is through practice. This paper discusses practice based exploration of affordance in the design of physical interfaces. This study follows a framework developed by Zimmerman et al (2007) based on Process Invention and Relevance. Three artefacts that explore affordance with tangible interfaces are presented. Aide Memoire demonstrates that what can be considered a simple and direct affordance may turn out to be a learnt affordance that only becomes simple through familiarity. The Homesick Aliens demonstrate the effectiveness of narrative in encouraging appropriation of a digital artefact. Giant Eyeballs demonstrates the direct appropriation of an affordance.