visual affordances

Visual affordances are cues in an object’s appearance that suggest how it should be used. They are designed features that naturally inform users of the possible actions they can take. For example, a button's shape and shading imply it can be pressed, while a handle suggests it can be grasped. These visual clues help people understand how to interact with objects easily and intuitively, often without explicit instructions. Well-designed visual affordances improve usability by aligning the appearance of objects with their intended functions, guiding users smoothly through tasks.