James Gibson described how we use structure in optic flow fields as information to skillfully navigate through a cluttered environment. These structures exist as a function of the physics of light, surfaces, and motion. For skillfully navigating through a social ecology – we create ‘structure’ (e.g., calendars) that allows skilled coordination with the people around us. In a digital world, there are no physical constraints – thus, one of the challenges of designers is to introduce constraints that allow people to skillfully realize the affordances that digital technologies offer. Without constraints, skilled coordination is not possible.
Posted by John Flach on linked-in.