In software interfaces managing affordances is critical, a user might perceive possible actions based on the properties of interface objects.
Desired actions cannot be carried out if the object does not afford it, and afforded actions might not be carried out if the user does not perceive they are possible.
Don Norman introduced the term perceived affordance in his book named Psychology of Everyday Things to refer to the actions a user perceives to be possible, distinct from those which are actually possible.
A user’s perception and understanding of affordances might vary according to their ability, goals, beliefs, context and past experiences.
Design
by Avadh Dwivedi in Affordance in user interface design