A theory of communication for user interface design

Abstract

This chapter investigates the phenomenon of communication, and proposes a theory for the design and analysis of user interfaces of distributed information systems. It is argued that the explanation of communication offered by the classical theories is not adequate to fully account for computer-mediated communication. Therefore, a new model of communication is proposed to compensate for the theoretical shortcomings found. The process of communication is represented by a partial sequence of semiosis processes defined recurrently, as emerging from the interaction of at least one psychic system with one or more social systems. The psychic and social systems are characterized as self-organizing systems and their dynamics are described. We have conducted a pilot study on the basis of which we draw conclusions.