Learn the difference between affordances and signifiers, write controls with clear outcomes, and test whether website cues match visitors’ expectations.
An affordance concerns an action possible through the relationship between a person and an environment. Distinguish the website’s available action from the visible cue explaining it.
Controls need understandable outcomes as well as recognizable appearance. Label booking and enquiry destinations distinctly.
Don Norman describes perceivable cues as signifiers. (Don Norman: Signifiers) Button appearance and labels communicate what can be done.
Decoration resembling an interactive control can suggest an action that is unavailable.
An enquiry label leading to a download conflicts with the promised action. Use labels such as view prices or request a consultation.
After submission, explain the received state so visitors do not have to guess whether to resend.
Observe a new visitor finding information and ask what they expected from an action. Click counts alone do not establish understanding.
Check template control labels and destinations, including the published page after changes.
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A: Distinguish possible action from its cue; the shape is considered as a signifier.
A: It also needs a label that explains the real outcome.
A: Avoid implying an unavailable action.
A: Compare information-finding behavior, expected outcomes, and actual results.
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