Abstract This case study investigates the possibilities that drive the development of collaboration in the design-oriented organizations in Fiskars Village through the lens of affordances. This study focuses on affordances, perceived opportunities for action, which build a common ground for collaboration of organizations, and views them at community and individual levels. The study addresses the question of what enables and supports affordances related to collaboration in the design-oriented community. The aim is to raise awareness of the potential that exists in the environment of a heterogeneous group of design-oriented people. The findings build a methodological bridge between the collaborative activities and affordances and provide new insights into the themes that support perception of affordances in the design-oriented community. The theoretical contribution of the article provides suggestions on how the existence of affordances could be emphasized and developed further to support creativity and collaboration. This study highlights the key elements that are needed when building long-term collaboration in a design-oriented community.