1. Perception, Possibility, Invitation
Applying Gibson’s Theory of Affordances to Interior Design
Amanda Zaitchik Pratt Institute Advisors: William Mangold, Anita Cooney, Karin Tehve, Jennifer Hanlin
“I place a couch in a room and it acquires new significance:
the air now shimmers with the possibilities of conversation or
napping or seduction.”
-Mark Kingwell

2. Allan Wexler’s “Buildings for Water Collection,” 1994
“Why has man changed the shapes and substances of his environment?
To change what it affords him.”
-Mark Kingwell

3. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
“The affordances
of the environment
are what it offers
the animal, what it
provides or furnishes,
either for good or ill.”
-James Gibson, 1979

4. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
affordance
key characteristics
-emergent

5. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
affordance
key characteristics
-emergent
-subjective/objective

6. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
affordance
key characteristics
-emergent
-subjective/objective
-dynamic

7. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
affordance
key characteristics
-emergent
-subjective/objective
-dynamic
-innate or learned

8. User
[human]
Artifact/
Environment
[chair]
[5’-11”tall]
[stable material]
[19”flat surface]
qualities and
abilities
features and context
[180 lbs]
[brown hair]
[painted white]
[made in NY]
[speaks French]
[liberal]
perception
emergentproperty
intention
function
form
objectsubject
[locomotion]
Affordance
[sitting]
Behavior
affordance
key characteristics
-emergent
-subjective/objective
-dynamic
-innate or learned
-strong or weak

9. affordance
key characteristics
animal : habitat : niche :: user : environment : place
-emergent
-subjective/objective
-dynamic
-innate or learned
-strong or weak
-niche-creating
“A species of animal is said to utilize or occupy a certain niche in the
environment. This is not quite the same as the habitat of the species; a niche
refers more to how an animal lives than to where it lives. I suggest that a
niche is a set of affordances…The niche implies a kind of animal, and the
animal implies a kind of niche.”
-James Gibson, 1979

10. methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Ab
-loc
-tho
-me
-vis
-hea
-tas
-sm
-tou
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology us
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Abilities
-locomotion
-thought
-memory
-vision
-hearing
-taste
-smell
-touch
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
5’ - 11 1/2”
1’ - 7”
1’ - 9”

11. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright

12. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright

13. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright

14. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright Little House Living Room: Artifact Features and Context
features context features context features context features context features context
white oak, chestnut, poplar,
plywood in front of fireplace Japanese on plant stand
American Terra Cotta
and Ceramic Company on ledge Robert Jarvie on table 3 Grueby Pottery on ledge
1909 on rug wood with gilding behind two armchairs Illinois above entry Chicago
containing white tapered
candles Boston, MA above entry
Chicago, IL next to floor lamp figurative facing window 1902‐1922 next to bust and another vase 1901 1900‐1910 next to bust and another vase
wood structure across from armchair about 3' tall Earthenware bronze Earthenware
upholstered seat and back cushions books, bowl on armrests dark color round base wide bottom, narrow top
wide, flat armrests/platforms fabric over one armrest simple curve slender bodies some shine
raised slightly on short legs fragile dark color
dull, neutral fabric bending
features context features context features context features context features context
grey‐brown paper over board stacked on print table copper on library table 1893‐1902 on table 1 Caucasian on wood floor Japanese on ledge
suede spine in front of window River Forest, IL
catches light from
windows copper dried flora coming out 19th century nothing on it 19th century above doorway
suede hinges 1899 pyramid bases wool porcelain next to similar objects
suede corners round taper upwards rectangular delicate
flat flat base about 30" tall fringe fragile
rectangular open top multi‐color design
geometric designs thin
features context features context features context features context features context
Chinese on ledge Chinese on ledge Japanese on ledge Japanese on ledge Japanese on ledge
late 18th century above fireplace 16th century above fireplace 19th century branches inside 17th century near corner of room 18th century near corner of room
porcelain next to similar objects stoneware with similar objects pottery at edge of brick
pottery, enamel, and
gold with similar objects figurative with similar objects
delicate dark color shiny with similar objects tall, curvy draped clothing
fragile small, round small handles white face
dark color fragile fragile
delicate
features context features context features context features context features context
Japanese on sofa armrest Japanese on ledge Japanese on ledge Japanese dried flowers inside
reproduction of Victoire de
Samothrace on library table
19th century on top of cloth 19th century in front of windows 18th century in front of window 19th century on library table plaster cast lit from window
marked Dobachi pottery only silhouette visible pottery only silhouette visible pottery next to Winged Victory Greek
pottery lid round round, short 190 BC (original)
small short white
round about 48" tall
fragile square base
Sofa Sculpture 13
Vase 22
Vase 14 Candlesticks 15 Vase 16
Portfolio Cases Urn Rug 20 Dish 21
Pot 31 Vase 33 Winged Victory
Vase 25 Figure of Girl
Bowl 28 Bottle 29
Weedholders
Jar 23 Jar 24
features context features
white oak, chestnut, poplar,
plywood in front of fireplace Japanese
1909 on rug wood with gilding
Chicago, IL next to floor lamp figurative
wood structure across from armchair about 3' tall
upholstered seat and back cushions books, bowl on armrests
wide, flat armrests/platforms fabric over one armrest
raised slightly on short legs
dull, neutral fabric
features context features
grey‐brown paper over board stacked on print table copper
suede spine in front of window River Forest, IL
suede hinges 1899
suede corners round
flat flat base
rectangular open top
geometric designs
features context features
Chinese on ledge Chinese
late 18th century above fireplace 16th century
porcelain next to similar objects stoneware
Sofa Scul
Vase 22
Portfolio Cases
J

15. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright's Little House Living Room: Artifacts, Features and Affordances
Artifact Relevant Features Relevant Context Relevant User/Artifact2 Qualities Affordance Affordance Type
Strength
(5=high)
Notes
Armchair 4a seat ~18", backrest, armrests N/A
average leg length, bending knees, inclination to
rest in seated position sitting AUA 5
Armchair 4b seat ~18", backrest, armrests, cushions perpendicular to sofa, fireplace
inclination to sit, cultural tradition of eye contact
during conversation, ability to talk talking AUA 3
suitable for long conversation; dependant on
multiple users
Armchair 4c seat ~18", backrest, armrests, cushions N/A ability to think thinking AUA 3
Armchair 4d seat ~18", backrest, armrests, cushions next to books, floor lamp ability to read, ability to sit reading AUA 4 stronger than 4c based on context
Bench size, cushion by windows, lowered ceiling average size, inclination to rest lounging AUA 4
Book writing, pages accessible ability to read reading AUA 4
Bowl 28 shape N/A previous experience with dishes memory AUA 2 dependant on history of individual user
Cabinet doors with handles N/A cultural knowledge of handles opening AUA 4
Candles wax, wick upright position, candlesticks ability to light a match or lighter fire starting AUA 4
Fireplace void space, materials wood inside fire starting materials, ability fire starting AUA 5
Floor wood, flat, solid N/A weight stability AUA 5
Floor wood, flat, solid, continuous N/A ability to walk walking AUA 5
Flowers aroma at accessible position knowledge of flowers smelling AUA 1
Ledge flat, stable
position‐ height, around perimeter of
room stands on its own, appropriate size display AAA 5
Plant Stand 4 thin legs, tall position clumsiness knocking over AUA 2
stronger in higher‐traffic area or with
child/clumsy users
Print table flat, sturdy, ~30" high between side chair and bench ability to write, necessary materials writing AUA 3 based on system with side chair 6a
Prints frame, format hung on wall at eye level disposition to look at things of visual interest examining AUA 3
Rug 2 soft, flat on floor, chairs and sofa on top
average leg length, bending knees, inclination to
rest in seated position sitting AUA 2 would be stronger if chairs and sofa did not exist
Rug 2 flat on floor, mainly open in center ability to move, energy walking AUA 4
Rug 2 N/A unattached to floor ability for motion slipping AUA 2 negative
Rug 2 continuous, thick on top of floor position protection AAA 4
Side Chair 6 wood, light, unattached N/A arm strength moveability AUA 3
Side Chair 6 flat seat, about 18" tall, mobile near ledge ability to move legs, step up on chair seat standing on AUA 3 would be weaker if ledge did not exist
Sofa seat height, cushions, flat wood armrests N/A
inclination to sit while eating, use of containers
that need to rest somewhere eating AUA 2
strength dependant on proximity to food
storage
Sofa cushions, length N/A inclination to sleep while lying down napping AUA 2
would be stronger if there were pillows on the
side or if armrests were upholstered
Standing lamp switch, lightbulb, socket, cord plugged in cultural knowledge of lights turning on AUA 5
Table 1 flat, ~30" high, stable N/A stands on its own, appropriate size display AAA 5
Table 1 flat, shelf underneath, stable N/A appropriate size storage AAA 5
Table 3 4 legs, flat, orthogonal N/A at rest, appropriate size stability AAA 5
Telephone mouthpiece, earpiece at accessible position historical knowledge talking AUA 1 obsolete
Vase 22 porcelain on ledge clumsiness breakability AUA 2
strength would vary according to the
accessibility of its location (context), also age,
experience, and dexterity of user
Wall opaque material between interior and exterior vision concealing AUA 5
Windows transparency N/A vision visibility AUA 5
strength dependant on air quality, weather; also
allows for visibility inside from outside
Windows transparency on exterior wall, with available light refracted by transparent surfaces refracting AAA 5
Windows handles N/A cultural knowledge of handles/windows opening AUA 3
Winged Victory form, material on display cultural history and historical knowledge meaning AUA 3
Wood (fire) material composition N/A physical properties fire maintaining AAA 5

16. Little House living room
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright's Little House Living Room: Affordance Matrix
Table 1
Rug 2
Table 3
Armchair 4a
Armchair 4b
Armchair 3c
Armchair 4d
Print Table
Side Chair 6a
Side Chair 6b
Plant Stand a
Plant Stand b
Standing Lamp a
Standing Lamp b
Standing Lamp c
Standing Lamp d
Standing Lamp e
Library Table
Wall Lamp a
Wall Lamp b
Wall Lamp c
Wall Lamp d
Bench a
Bench b
Ledge
Firewood
Fireplace
Ceiling
Windows
Wall
Floor
Fern Dish
Sofa
Sculpture 13
Vase 14
Candlesticks 15
Candles
Vase 16
Portfolio Cases
Urn
Weedholders
Rug 20
Dish 21
Vase 22
Jar 23
Jar 24
Vase 25
Figure of Girl
Bowl 27
Bowl 28
Bottle 29
Vase 30
Pot 31
Flowers
Frames
Prints
Vase 32
Vase 33
Winged Victory
Breakability
Concealing
Eating
Examining
Fire starting
Knocking Over
Lounging
Meaning
Memory
Moveability
Napping
Opening
Reading
Sitting
Slipping
Smelling
Stability
Standing on
Talking
Thinking
Turning on
Visibility
Walking
Writing
Display
Protection
Storage
Stability
Refracting
Fire Maintaining
Artifact‐User Affordances
Artifact‐Artifact
Affordances

17. Flatiron Plaza
Flatiron Plaza
23rd Street, 5th Avenue, and Broadway
New York, New York
tablestrash can chairs
sign
chains
boulder
planters
Flatiron
Building
Flatiron
Plaza

18. Flatiron Plaza
Flatiron Plaza
23rd Street, 5th Avenue, and Broadway
New York, New York
Major affordances
(perceived and converted into behavior by users)

19. Flatiron Plaza
Features and Affordances
Artifact Relevant Features Relevant Context Relevant User/Artifact2 Qualities Affordance Affordance Type
Strength
(5=high)
Notes
Boulders solid, size, relatively flat presence of others inclination to converse while seated, ability to sit conversation AUA 3
two people only, based on size of rocks;
weakened by noise level
Boulders solid, size, relatively flat N/A size, ability to sit sitting AUA 4
would be stronger if flatter or smoother
material
Boulders solid, size, relatively flat N/A access to reading material, ability to read reading AUA 2
Boulders solid, size, relatively flat food outlets nearby, trash cans access to food eating AUA 3
best available option for eating, but would be
better if surface was flatter
Building large, opaque between user and sun perception of light shade AUA 5
Chains strength, shape, connectedness wrapped around chairs, tables size, shape constraint AAA 5 artifact2=tables, chairs
Chairs sturdy stacked, chained in place desire for support leaning AUA 3
Ground solid, continuous N/A weight, position support AAA 5
Planters size, sturdy N/A desire for support leaning AUA 2
Planters hollow N/A mass, form display AAA 5 artifact2=plants
Sign writing position ability to read reading AUA 4
could be stronger or weaker based on position,
graphic qualities, language
Tables flat, sturdy N/A with items putting things on AUA 3
Trash Can hollow available space cultural recognition of trash cans disposal AUA 4
Triangular Plaza open area
in front of Flatiron Building, view of
Empire State Building
cultural knowledge of significance of buildings,
access to camera photography AUA 4
Triangular Plaza flat, solid between roads ability to stand standing AUA 5
Triangular Plaza flat, solid between roads ability to walk walking AUA 5
Triangular Plaza open area, flat, solid between roads, sidewalks inclination to socialize gathering AUA 3
Triangular Plaza open area, flat, solid urban, touristy area access to and use of maps looking at maps AUA 3
Triangular Plaza too many obstacles to afford driving between roads fragility protection AUA 4
Triangular Plaza open area numerous visual stimuli vision looking AUA 5
Triangular Plaza open area
urban, touristy area, presence of
others lacking knowledge of area, ability to communicate
asking for
directions AUA 2

20. Flatiron Plaza
Boulders
Building
Chains
Chairs
Ground
Planters
Sign
Tables
Trash Can
Triangular Plaza
Asking directions
Conversation
Disposal
Eating
Gathering
Leaning
Looking
Looking at maps
Meaning
Photography
Protection
Putting things on
Reading
Shade
Sitting
Standing
Walking
Constraint
Display
Support
Artifact‐User Affordances
Artifact‐
Artifact
Afforda

21. New York Public Library porch
New York Public Library
Terrace and Steps
455 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10016
tables
planters
trash
cans
ledge
chairs
signage
columns
railings
lion sculpture
pedestal
porch
trees
steps
library building
New York
Public Library

22. New York Public Library porchNew York Public Library
Table and chair affordances
(converted to behavior)
Steps affordances
(converted to behavior)
Lion sculpture affordances
(converted to behavior)
Signage affordances
(converted to behavior)

23. New York Public Library porch
New York Public Library Porch and Steps: Artifacts, Features, and Affordances
Artifact Relevant Features Relevant Context Relevant User/Artifact2 Qualities Affordance Affordance Type
Strength
(5=high)
Notes
Chairs height, flat seat, back rest N/A bending knees, inclination to rest in seated positionsitting AUA 5
Chairs sit‐ability presence of tables ability to read, inclination to sit while reading reading AUA 3
presence of table strengthens affordance, but
not dependant
Columns size, material, stability position mass, position support AAA 5 artifact2= entablature
Ledge available surface position size, inclination to land bird landing AUA 4
Library building size, opaque position (between user and sun) perception of light shade AUA 5
Library building material, ornament historic and cultural status cultural knowledge meaning AUA 4
Lion sculptures size, material position strength, mobility climbing AUA 2 strengthened by photography or if user is child
Lion sculptures climb‐ability position inclination to climb, balance falling AUA 2 dependant on climbing behavior
Pedestals size, material, stability position mass, position support AAA 5 artifact2= lion sculptures
Planters hollow, size N/A size, mass display AAA 5 artifact2= plants
Porch stand‐ability, elevation visual stimuli surrounding vision looking AUA 4
Porch flat, solid N/A ability to stand standing AUA 4
Porch stand‐ability, elevation visual stimuli surrounding access to camera photography AUA 3
Porch flat, solid, continuous N/A mobility walking AUA 4
Porch N/A adjacent to building perception of light shade AUA 5
Porch roof overhead adjacent to uncovered areas size
protection from
weather AUA 3 would be stronger if roof extended further
Railings height, solid material attached to steps/ground arms, hands, arm‐length, height stability AUA 5
Railings stability, size, solid material attached to steps/ground size, mobility climbing AUA 1 stronger for children
Railings
stability, size, solid material, round shape,
diameter
attached to steps/ground, open
underneath size, mobility hanging AUA 1 stronger for shorter people/children
Railings round shape, height, diameter N/A hands, size grasping AUA 5
Signage writing position ability to read, vision reading AUA 5
Steps height, depth, flat, stable N/A mobility, leg length climbing AUA 5
requires very little cultural knowledge,
affordance holds for human of any size
Steps height, depth, flat, stable N/A mobility walking AUA 2 lesser because of depth of steps
Steps climb‐ability N/A climbing ability, presence of others racing AUA 1 stronger for children
Steps height, depth, flat, stable N/A
bending knees, inclination to rest in seated
position sitting AUA 4 stronger in nice weather
Steps sit‐ability
outside building where phones aren't
permitted, nice day access to phone talking on phone AUA 3
stronger in nice weather; might be weaker if
talking inside was not rude or if user was
unaware of social cues
Steps sit‐ability, stand‐ability, walk‐ability
outside building where phones aren't
permitted, nice day access to phone with texting texting AUA 3
Steps sit‐ability N/A
ability to communicate, presence of others,
inclination to sit while talking conversing AUA 3 accommodates groups of any size
Steps height, depth, flat, stable N/A mobility jumping AUA 2 stronger for children
Steps sit‐ability N/A inclination to socialize gathering AUA 3
Steps changes in elevation N/A clumsiness, distractedness, mobility tripping AUA 2 would be stronger if less visible or regular
Steps changes in elevation N/A clumsiness, distractedness, mobility falling AUA 2 would be stronger if less visible or regular
Tables flat, height presence of chairs
ability to write, inclination to sit while writing,
access to writing instruments writing AUA 3
Tables flat, height
presence of chairs, proximity to food
outlets, nice weather access to food eating AUA 3
Tables relatively light unconnected to anything strength, mobility moveability AUA 2 would be stronger if there were fewer tables
Tables flat, height
presence of chairs, proximity to
library access to materials working AUA 3
Tables flat, height, stable N/A items in possession putting things on AUA 3

24. New York Public Library porch
Chairs
Columns
Ground
Ledge
Library Building
Lion Sculptures
Pedestals
Planters
Porch
Railings
Steps
Tables
Trash Cans
Trees
Signage
Climbing
Conversing
Disposal
Eating
Falling
Gathering
Grasping
Hanging
Jumping
Landing
Leaning
Looking
Meaning
Moveability
Photography
Protection
Putting things on
Racing
Reading
Reading
Shade
Sitting
Stability
Standing
Support
Talking on phone
Texting
Tripping
Walking
Working
Writing
Display
Filtering
Protection
Stability
Storage
Artifact‐User Affordances
Artifact‐
Artifact
Affordances

25. methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Ab
-loc
-tho
-me
-vis
-hea
-tas
-sm
-tou
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology us
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Abilities
-locomotion
-thought
-memory
-vision
-hearing
-taste
-smell
-touch
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
5’ - 11 1/2”
1’ - 7”
1’ - 9”

26. n a certain context Z.
W, X, Y, and Z.
Abilities
-locomotion
-thought
-memory
-vision
-hearing
-taste
-smell
-touch
Demographics
sex: male
weight: 180 lbs
age: 26
Z
5’ - 11 1/2”
5’ - 11 1/2”
1’ - 7”
1’ - 9”
2’ - 4 3/4”

27. methodology
affording grasping
methodology
affording leaning
8 1/4”
E
U
A B
C
D
Grasping = U + E
if and only if
AB < 8 1/4”
OR
CD < 8 1/4”
Positive Material Affordances
-touching
-squeezing
Armrests
Negative Material Affordances
-slipping
-splintering
Positive Material Affordances
-structuring
-cushioning
-touching
Negative Material Affordances
-shattering
-splintering
-cracking
-denting
-crumpling
90
42” 54” 66”
72
minimum
optimal
optimal
maximum
minimum optimal
1
2

28. methodology
affording sitting
methodology
affording stepping
methodology
affording reaching
Leg Room
threshold-
arm use necessary
minimum
minimum
20”
25”
30”
35”
40”
45”
optimal
optimal
maximum
(with no step
or assistance)
Surface
Height
Positive Material Affordances
-structuring
-cushioning
-touching
-washing
Negative Material Affordances
-shattering
-splintering
-cracking
-denting
-crumpling
17”
22”
31”
42”
optimalrange
surface height = 18”
surfaceheight=18”
surface height = 0”
surfaceheight=0”
28” 44”
26”
14”
7’ - 8 1/2”
7’ - 3”
2’ - 4”
33”25 1/2”
threshold of ease
thresholds
of comfort
maximum
maximum

29. bending
folding
curving
structuring
wrapping
puncturing
moving
carving
sanding
paintingpolishingmoldingextruding
melting
warping
stacking
adheringto
seeingthrough
scratching
stretching
dyeing
casting
laminating
tearing
insulatingwashing
drapinginflatingsewingem
bossing
printing
on
laser cutting
burning
staining
back-lighting
shattering
drilling
chiseling
crushing
grinding
compressing
shaving
cracking
cushioning
denting
weavingsplintering
lathinginjecting
stuffi
ng
twisting
wetting
welding
squeezing
nailing
crumpling
fading
creasing
patching
writingon
shredding
blowinginwind
electricityconducting
fireresisting
soundreflecting
soundabsorbing
lightreflecting
lightdiffusing
lightabsorbing
UV
resisting
w
ater absorbing
water resisting
heat conductingshadingacid etchingbio-degrading
re-using
off-gassing
recycling
cutting
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A
A - aluminum
B - brick
C - concrete
D - wood
E - cork
F - fabric
G - glass
H - translucent glass
I - stone
J - gypsum board
K - steel
L - leather
M - cardboard
N - paper
O - rubber
P - plastic
material affordances
bending
writingon
shredding
blowinginwind
electricityconducting
fireresisting
soundreflecting
soundabsorbing
lightreflecting
lightdiffusing
lightabsorbing
UV
resisting
w
ater absorbing
water resisting
heat conductingshadingacid etchingbio-degrading
re-using
off-gassing
recycling
cutting
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
A - aluminum
B - brick
C - concrete
D - wood
E - cork
F - fabric
G - glass
H - translucent glass
I - stone
J - gypsum board
K - steel
L - leather
M - cardboard
N - paper
O - rubber
P - plastic
material affordances

30. methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Ab
-loc
-tho
-me
-vis
-hea
-tas
-sm
-tou
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology us
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
methodology user study
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
= =“is an affordance of”
Abilities
-locomotion
-thought
-memory
-vision
-hearing
-taste
-smell
-touch
A = U + EW,XU,E Y,Z
if and only if:
-A is possible for U via E.
-Neither U nor E possesses A.
to be determined
through programming UNKNOWN given
5’ - 11 1/2”
1’ - 7”
1’ - 9”

31. ASSUMPTION OF TERMS
Let U = a user with a set of qualities W and abilities X.
Let E = an environment or artifact with a set of properties Y within a certain context Z.
Let A = an emergent property based on the relationship between W, X, Y, and Z.
A = “is an affordance of”
(A + A ) A U + (E + E )U,E U,E W,X Y,Z Y,Z
1 1 if and only if:
A is possible for U via E.
Neither E nor U possess A.
A can largely be designed toward
by programming desired affordances.
BUT: If A is an emergent property
based on W,X,Y,Z and W,X,Y,Z are all
dynamic, A is also dynamic.
These unforseen emergent properties
can be accounted for through the
variable A .
E is primarily the crux of the problem: the
properties of the designed environment.
In interior design a component of E is given,
the existing conditions, represented by
E .
Determined
through
programming
variable given
UNKNOWN
given
U,E
1
Y,Z
1

32. Amanda Zaitchik Pratt Institute Advisors: William Mangold, Anita Cooney, Karin Tehve, Jennifer Hanlin
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