Identification of Different affordances of Information Technology Systems: an Empirical Study

The concept of affordances has been suggested as a way to understand the effects of information technology (IT) on human behavior and the factors that affect individual IT use. However research has discussed affordances mostly on a conceptual or theoretical level. We empirically investigate different characteristics of affordances to understand the factors that influence users’ understanding of and intention to use IT. To closer observe the formation and roles of different affordances, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 informants who use different types of airline check-in processes. We examine how individuals use IT and demonstrate that every user of an IT system has indeed different affordances. As a result, we show that as soon as the participants perceive a function and understand its use, there is a positive effect on symbolic expressions attached to the technical object. In this regard, we also demonstrate that the individuals’ interaction with IT system depends on age, background, and the general experience with IT. In doing so, we contribute to the growing field of research on the role of affordance in technology by examining the specific features of IT and factors contributing to the understanding and interpretation of the IT system by the user.