A Theory of Computer Semiotics
Semiotic Approaches to Construction and Assessment of Computer Systems

This 1991 book presents a novel, yet systematic and practical way of implementing concepts so that they become useful in the design and analysis of computer systems.

Peter Bøgh Andersen (Author)

9780521448680, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 April 1997

460 pages
25.1 x 17.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.92 kg

"This book is a refreshing one: it aims to explore computer systems within the paradigm of semiotics instead of within the more restricted purview of logic or linguistics and manages to open new conceptual horizons." Jean Guy Meunier, Semiotica

Semiotics is the science of signs: graphical, such as pictures; verbal (writing or sounds); or others such as body gestures and clothes. Computer semiotics studies the special nature of computer-based signs and how they function in use. This 1991 book is based on ten years of empirical research on computer usage in work situations and contains material from a course taught by the author. It introduces basic traditional semiotic concepts and adapts them so that they become useful for analysing and designing computer systems in their symbolic context of work. It presents a novel approach to the subject, rich in examples, in that it is both theoretically systematic and practical. The author refers to and reinterprets techniques already used so that readers can deepen their understanding. In addition, it offers new techniques and a consistent perspective on computer systems that is particularly appropriate for new hardware and software (e.g. hypermedia) whose main functions are presentation and communication. This is a highly important work whose influence will be wide and longlasting.

Part I. Theory: 1. The structuralist heritage
2. Adapting and extending structuralist methods
Part II. Computers: Introduction
3. The basic means of expression
4. Composite computer-based signs
Part III. Language, Work and Design: Introduction
5. Language as interpretation: semantic fields in the postal giro
6. Language as action: language games in the postal giro
7. Task analysis: controlling control
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Human-computer interaction [UYZ]