Explanation of Affordances：
Affordances in design refer to the qualities or properties of an object that imply its functionality and how it can be used, without needing explicit instructions. This concept, integral to user experience and interaction design, was popularized by Don Norman. It’s about the relationship between an object and its user, suggesting whatactions are possible. For example, a button on a device affords pressing, and a handle on a door affords pulling or pushing.
In the context of an iPad, affordances are the inherent features and functionalities that suggest how it can be interacted with. These affordances are a combination of its physical design and the software capabilities. Here are some of the affordances of an iPad:
Touch Screen
Microphone
Internet Connectivity
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Capability
Mobile Applications
Portability

Perceived Affordances:
Perceived affordances refer to how an object’s design elements suggest their functionality to the user. Unlike real affordances that are about actual functionalities, perceived affordances are about what users believe they can do with an object based on its appearance. This concept is crucial in design because it shapes user expectations and guides interactions.
For instance, a button with a 3D effect on a screen suggests it can be pressed, even though the screen itself is flat. This perception is created by visual cues in the design. Similarly, a slider on a touchscreen looks like it can be dragged, and a greyed-out option suggests it’s currently unavailable or inactive.
In this image, the 3D appearance of the button and the visual design of the slider are perceived affordances. They guide the user intuitively on how to interact with these elements. The design visually communicates their functionality, making the user experience more intuitive and efficient.