Evaluating Affordances and Their Applicability in a Healthcare Context

Abstract: This study aimed at evaluating the applicability of affordances and to what extent the concept could explain design related incidents. The chosen area of interest was healthcare. By employing the Critical Incidents Technique and melding it with the concept of affordances, an evaluation of designs was conducted on workflow activities in a Central Sterilization Unit. Results indicated that affordances as a concept was reflected in empirical data although two factors could not be explained by the concept. The authors believe that the many existing methods of affordances need to be assessed before continuing its development. They propose that quantitative studies be conducted in order to establish what variables in existing versions are statistically reliable and valid. The design and results also indicated that the Critical Incidents Technique could be a useful tool for developers. Results also revealed patterns of important design aspects in a healthcare setting; conclusions of its uniqueness were not made since a comparable case was needed.