A Theory of Computer Semiotics by P.B. Andersen

“Semiotics is the science of signs. Its subject is all kinds of signs: verbal language, pictures, literature, motion pictures, theather, body language. Computer semiotics is a branch of semiotics that studies the special nature of computer-based signs and how they function in use. 

Although in many respects computer systems can be conceived as tools in analogy with typewriters, pencils, brushes and filing cabinets, they differ from these tools by existing or being used primarily as physical objects, rather than signs. The pencil of the drawing program is no real pencil that can be chewed, it is merely a sign for a pencil, represented by a collection of pixels on the screen. Computer systems resemble other media by primarily acting as carriers of meaning. “

“From being a tool only for specialists, computers have now been integrated into many occupations, and therefore the demand for interpretability has risen. The mode of operation and the meaning of the data must be easy to grasp for the secretary whose time should not be spent deciphering cryptic codes but writing agendas or making newspapers. A good interface has become a necessary prerequisite for a good system. “

‘a correlation in one planet which ..has relation to a correlation in the other plane of a language’ Hjelmslev 1963’

Since the computers are used in various fields, the computer interface and the computer-based signs are becoming important.