Exploration of affordances in subscription-based digital magazines

Marijana Miric

doi:10.32920/ryerson.14646786

Abstract

This study analyzed 128 digital magazines through the lens of affordance theory in order to analyze 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. Overall, a nonlinear relationship between the number of digital subscriptions and the variety of affordances implemented in a magazine was identified. Additionally, the 20 affordances identified were analyzed against three previously established frameworks, including Gibson’s original categorization of perceived, hidden, and false affordances. This study provides valuable information for the media industry regarding the application of the theory of affordance and how it applies to digital magazines. 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

Highlights

From print to digital, the consumer magazine publishing industry is in the midst of a transformation
The findings presented in this paper are divided into the following sections: 1) Descriptive Statistics; 2) What Are the Affordances on Issue; 3) How Can the Affordances Identified be Efficiently Grouped Using Affordance Theory; 4) Are Subscription Rates Correlated With Digital Affordances; and 5) Are the Most Common Affordances Represented in Magazines Containing the Highest Number of Digital Subscriptions? The affordances analyzed throughout this study take into consideration Pols definition of affordance, as they consist of more complex actions than the affordance of touching a screen
After further examining the definitions provided by Pols, the affordances identified in this study are in line with his description of consequential actions7 (Pols, 2012)

Summary

Introduction

The consumer magazine publishing industry is in the midst of a transformation. Print media maintains a number of limitations regarding how to engage its readers with the overall media brand. The assumption is that with the advanced development of digital technology present in the magazine publishing industry, the degree of interaction between magazine brands and readers will be enhanced. From native mobile applications ( known as apps) to subscription–based platforms like Issue, there appears to be a collision of online business models. With analogue dollars becoming digital dimes, and mobile pennies, it is up to the brand to determine whether the app economy is worth the potential investment. Whether the return on investment (ROI) is better with a native app or a subscription–based platform

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Conclusion