A Theory of Computer Semiotics: Semiotic Approaches to Construction and Assessment of Computer Systems (Cambridge Series on Human-Computer Interaction) (Hardcover)

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Review
"...it will introduce you to a new way of thinking about programs and how people use them." Vivienne S. Begg, Computer

"Because it systematically develops how semiotics can be applied to the study of human-computer interactions, HCI researchers will find the book stimulating, even if their own approach is different. Finally, systems builders who are languishing for lack of a methodology could do worse than to review Andersen's approach." H. Van Dyke Parunak, Computing Reviews

"The book is a bold enterprise. It is an interesting and sometimes fascinating stab at a statement of a theory that is needed." Robin Fawcett, Computational Linguistics

"Andersen not only provides semiotic means of evaluation, he also presents a further development of the two concepts, which may open interesting perspectives not only for computer scientists but also for semioticians. His typology of speech acts, in particular, introduces a new approach that could prove useful to speech-act theorists." Bernhard Debatin, Semiotic Review of Books

"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

Product Description
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. As computers have become a feature of daily life, work and education, the design of the interface has become of prime importance, so that the machines can be used quickly and easily. Systems are more easily learned if the designer takes his or her departure point in the established sign usage of the users, for example, their language, and conscious use of signs in designs improves the benefits and ease of using computers. This 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.

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First Sentence
I start with a reassessment of selected linguistic traditions. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews   2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Semiotics: the Next Level in UI Design..., 12 April 2001 By  Martin (Longridge, Lancs United Kingdom) - See all my reviews Humans and computers don't get on. A Theory Of Computer Semiotics supposes the reason for this is that they represent information in different forms: computers use discrete values (e.g. "bytes"), whereas humans interpret signs. Signs, as explained in the first section, not only include conventional signs like fireproof arrows labelled 'Fire Exit', but also more general ones, for example, the natural sign of clouds, which signify rain. The main thrust of this book is that the design of computer systems will be so much more usable where the design approach is a semiotic one (where the computer works with and understands signs). As a software engineer, I see the non-public side of software, and couldn't agree more. A semiotic approach should make the flow of information easier and more reliably, and give the programmer the right mental concepts to do a good job. How often have we all seen a problem with software, not where it 'merely' crashes, but where some function is somehow 'illogical'? Over the past 20 or 30 years, the Object-Oriented approach has been touted as the pinnacle of software engineering, and has produced many useful "gains" in reducing the complexity of software; but using a sharp knife doesn't always produce chopped carrots. Whilst cautious of over-hyping semiotics (and the history of computing is littered with "silver bullet" solutions) I feel such an approach will provide furtile ground for low cost improvments the quality of software. I say "low cost" in that it doesn't advocate a revolution in technology - just in the way it is applied. My only critisism of this book (or maybe the approach), if any, is that the emphasis is on the HCI: signs produce mental pictures in humans, which, I would have thought, are more than just skin deep, and so signs in computer systems should penetrate the gloss of the desktop. Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this) Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review › See all customer reviews...		Ad feedback   Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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