Which of the following is a good example of an affordance in a user interface?

• A. A decorative image with no interaction
• B. A color gradient with no cue
• C. A text label that indicates purpose
• D. A button shape that invites clicking

Answer: (D)

Affordances are cues in a design that imply how an element should be used. A button shape that invites clicking works best because its visual style—shape, shading, depth—signals interactivity and suggests that tapping or clicking will perform an action. This aligns with users’ expectations for controls and reduces hesitation about how to interact. The other options lack that immediate invitation to act: decorative imagery or gradients without interaction cues don’t indicate they can be pressed, and a text label alone communicates purpose but doesn’t itself invite engagement or show how to engage.