Affordances

AFFORDANCE • (noun)

The characteristics of an object or space that encourage a particular behavior, or—put more simply—the opportunity for action.

connection between cognitive emotional and physical health

Overview

Connecting People and Space

A workspace is much more than a container for people. And it’s much more than a tool used to perform a task.
A well-designed workspace participates in performing the task, enabling optimal human performance–cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Haworth's Global Design & Innovation team's studies have identified 10 core Affordances vital to human performance in any workspace, and critical to the design of an Organic Workspace®. When applied effectively, they help create the conditions that support well-being, allow people to do their best work, and enhance the workplace experience.

Impact on Human Performance

Applied to Space

One of the central purposes of science is prediction–“when these conditions exist, this is what happens”. The purpose of applying Affordances to interior spaces is the same.

Using Affordances to tailor spaces to the specific needs of individuals and groups, Haworth offers solutions that optimize human performance.

collaborative workspace featuring cultivate contemporary office table and BuzziMilk stool

Cognitive

Helping people do their mind’s best work, Cognitive Affordances support intellectual activities such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering.

Physical

Supporting every person’s physiological fit in the workplace are Physical Affordances.

Emotional

Nurture a person’s psychological state by considering Emotional Affordances during space design. Every person’s physiological fit in the workplace are Physical Affordances.