Affordances Q3b

Question 1

how can understanding affordances help built environment professionals to design more inclusive environments?

Answer 1

recognising how different users perceive affordances allows designers to create spaces that are inclusive, intuitive and usable, accommodating a wide range of people.

Question 2

why is it essential to consider diverse users when designing environments?

Answer 2

affordances are not universal, they are perceived in relation to a person’s
1) capabilities,
2) needs
3) context

Question 3

what five sectors should be considered in environment design

Answer 3

1) sensory affordances
2) thermal comfort
3) ergonomics
4) anthropometrics
5) unintended affordances

Question 4

why should sensory affordances be considered?

Answer 4

must account for potential sensory overload

Question 5

what sensory affordances can be implemented?

Answer 5

muted colour pallets, sound absorbing material, clear signage

Question 6

example - use of sensory affordances

Answer 6

e.g. calm, well-zoned hospital waiting areas affords comfort and reduces anxiety, particularly for neurodivergent individuals that may be sensitive to light and noise.

Question 7

why should thermal comfort be considered?

Answer 7

thermal discomfort can limit space use

e.g. overheated office = increased lethargy, reduced productivity

Question 8

what thermal affordances can be implemented?

Answer 8

ventilation, solar shading, thermally regulating materials

Question 9

example - use of thermal affordances

Answer 9

e.g. passive design strategies (e.g. operable windows) can afford user control over their microclimate

Question 10

why should ergonomic factors be considered?

Answer 10

creates physically comfortable and functional environments

poorly considered ergonomic (e.g. high desks, adjustable monitors) limit affordance and can cause discomfort/injury over time

Question 11

example - use of ergonomic affordances

Answer 11

e.g. adjustable office chairs for users of various sizes and preferences

Question 12

why should anthropometric factors be considered?

Answer 12

ensures that built features afford access to the widest range of people across age, ability and stature.

Question 13

what anthropometric affordances can be considered?

Answer 13

handrails, seating, reach range, door width, desk height

Question 14

why should unintended affordances be considered? include an example

Answer 14

unintended affordances (e.g. a ledge used by skateboarders) must be either embraced or mitigated depending on surrounding context.