# Perspectival Affordance By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-12-24 Affordance describes the properties of an object that suggest how it can be used based on its design. When picked up, some objects simply convey how they are to be used. Other objects one holds and has no idea what to do with it. The difference between these two situations reflects differences in affordance. While not typically viewed in this way, perspectives offer different affordances. Viewing a situation in one way tends to close it off, suggesting nothing to be done. The same situation, viewed differently, can open options for action. Perspectival affordance is the ability to view situations to make beneficial action possible. A central question to developing perspectival affordance is, what can be done when viewing the situation this way? If the answer is not much, change your perspective and ask again. One should ask as many times as one can, generating a list of options as one does. Eventually, one will likely come up with a set of options that is not only beneficial but engaging. A situation that at first assessment seemed like one that one was fated to endure can become one of creative transformation. Perspectival affordance takes time and effort. It is much easier to accept things as they seem to be simple. This is what most people do most of the time. This should be sufficient motivation to find something else to do. Not every situation can be changed. It is possible to view any situation differently. There is power in being able to change perspective. There is even more power when one can change the perspective of many people. The affordance of the right perspective improves the options available and enhances the space and motivation for agency. #### Related Items [[Perspective]] [[Agency]] [[Action]] [[Engagement]] [[Creative]] [[Affordance]]