What does the term 'affordance' refer to in product design?

The term 'affordance' in product design refers to the characteristics of an object that suggest how it should be used and its functionality. This concept enables users to understand the purpose and operation of a product intuitively, without extensive prior knowledge or instruction. For example, a button that is raised and has a tactile surface provides visual and physical cues that suggest it should be pressed. Different design elements, such as shape, size, and texture, contribute to an object's affordance aspects, helping guide user interaction.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of affordance. Visual aesthetics focus purely on the appearance and design appeal of a product, while material durability pertains to the ability of a product to withstand wear and tear. Production techniques involve the methods used to manufacture a product rather than how users interact with it. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the idea of affordance in product design, emphasizing the relationship between an object's characteristics and its intended use.