What term describes the capacity of a product to inform the user about what actions they should take first?

The correct choice highlights the concept of predictability, which refers to how easily users can anticipate the results of their interactions with a product. When a product is predictable, it provides clear indications of what actions a user should take first, guiding them through the functionality in an intuitive manner. This enhances the user experience as users do not have to guess how to proceed, thus increasing efficiency and satisfaction.

Predictability is often achieved through design elements that clearly communicate available actions, making it easy for users to understand what to do next. For instance, if a primary call-to-action button is prominently displayed and visually distinct, it signals to the user that this action should be their next step.

Other terms, while related to user experience, do not specifically address the notion of guiding users on initial actions. Perceivability refers to how easily the user can notice or recognize interface elements, affordances refer to properties that suggest how the product might be used, and design principles encapsulate broader guidelines for effective design but do not focus solely on informing users of their next steps. Thus, predictability is specifically aimed at informing users about the sequence of actions they should take, reinforcing why it is the most appropriate choice in this context.