Acceso usuarios
M. C. C. Baranauskas, Osvaldo Luiz de Oliveira
Computational systems can be seen as complex networks of signs that can be treated semiotically in several levels. The user interface of such systems can be understood as a “representamen” for the system. Evaluating interfaces in this perspective requires an analysis of the signs present in the interface, relative to the user's language and his/her processes of signification. In this paper we revisit the main approaches to the concept of interface and human-computer interaction, and explore the potential of the semiotic perspective in the understanding and analysis of user interfaces. We argue that Semiotics provides us with an accurate vocabulary and enables us to analyze interfaces under unique aspects. In this paper we apply a combination of semiotic approaches as a basis for a framework to analyze user interfaces. The proposal is illustrated with the analysis of elements of the interface of commercial e-mail systems.
