A Systematic Review of the Application of Affordance Theory in Design for Well-Being

Abstract

Affordance theory offers a valuable lens for understanding how designed artifacts support well-being, yet its application in the context of physical artifacts remains underexplored. We conducted a literature review to synthesize how affordance theory has been used to design or evaluate well-being outcomes in relation to consumer products, built environments, and other physical artifacts. Our analysis revealed a small but growing body of interdisciplinary work, with affordance theory applied either as a conceptual foundation or as an analytical framework. While most studies retrospectively assessed well-being outcomes, few proposed methods for applying affordances in design processes. We identified key themes related to the application of affordance theory to promote physical, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations. Ultimately, we identified opportunities to expand the use of affordance theory to advance design processes supporting well-being and design justice, calling for more explicit frameworks that center context and diversity.