Affordance application on visual interface design of desk-top virtual experiments

The concept of affordance which adopted by graphical and instructional design is mainly refers to the potential operational possibilities that novice users could naturally perceive during a designated human-computer interaction context. This study discussed affordances of visual interface design in the context of a desk-top virtual experiment setting, of primary concern were utilizing affordance into visual interface design procedure of virtual learning environments. We proposed the Affordance Model of Interface Design for Virtual Experiment setting through in-depth analysis which explain the relationship between affordance and virtual experiment from perspectives such as cognitive affordance, physical affordance, functional and perceptual affordance. The framework stresses the importance of providing learners with an engaging learning situation and environment. A correspoding case study, University Physics Virtual Experiment was introduced in order to analysis the design principles grounded in affordance model. Paper conclusion showed that virtual learning environment which contains the possibility of experiencing proper affordance design can certainly lead to optimal learning state. The work explores ways to jump-start further understanding toward visual interface design for related designers and practitioners before substantial progress can be made.