Exploration of Affordances in Subscription-Based Digital Magazines

This study analyzed digital magazines (n=128) through the lens of affordance theory in order to determine the current state of digital publishing and establish a framework for the design and development of digital magazines. Twenty affordances were identified and categorized into four distinct groups: extend content, community involvement, utility, and entertainment. These affordances were also interrogated against Gibson's original categorization of perceived, hidden, and false affordances. In order for a digital magazine to be perceived as a successful adaptation of the print issue, it must provide the end user with a unique and immersive experience (Konet al, 2011). In this study however, it was interesting to see that 46% of the magazines reviewed were static replicas of their digital counterparts. Further, the relationship between subscriptions and affordance variety was explored. The study confirmed that there is a non-linear relationship between the two. Subscription rates are not impacted by the variety of affordances present. Future research should examine whether there is value in developing robust digital editions, or if effort should be placed elsewhere.