The Semiotics of User Interfaces

Abstract

[#objective] The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on user interfaces of information systems as a means to understand socio-pragmatic and communicative aspects of IS use. [#method] The theoretical foundation is based on semiotic and socio- pragmatic theories, and findings from a case study are presented and discussed in order to clarify the argumentation. [#discussion] Based on a communicative perspective, we believe that semiotic concept of UI is 1) useful to understand socio-pragmatic aspects of IT use and 2) a tool to relate the use of IT systems to an understanding of work tasks and business processes. [#implication] This conceptualization is useful to understand IT use as social action and how IT artefacts can be seen as communicative instruments in such social action. In future research, we also believe that it can be helpful to relate the use of IT systems to work tasks and business processes.