The semiotics of configurations for the immanent design of interactive computational systems. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cabitza, Federico; Mattozzi, Alvise
• Is Part Of: Journal of visual languages & computing. Volume 40(2017)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Semiotics of Configurations -- Immanent design -- End-User Development platforms -- Document management systems -- Electronic Health Record; Visual programming languages (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Visual programming (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Programming languages (Electronic computers) -- Semantics -- Periodicals; Langages de programmation visuelle -- Périodiques; Programmation visuelle -- Périodiques; Langages de programmation -- Sémantique -- Périodiques; Programming languages (Electronic computers) -- Semantics; Visual programming (Computer science); Visual programming languages (Computer science); Periodicals; Electronic journals; 005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvlc.2017.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-926X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper the authors propose a novel semiotic approach to the design of interactive systems and computational systems, grounded in the most recent contributions within the debate around semiotic theory and analysis. This approach, that is here called Semiotics of Configurations (SoC), is proposed for its analytic power in describing material artifacts and settings with a purposely a-conceptualistic stance. The resulting analysis informs a kind of design that is aimed at reproducing and supporting the programs of action detected in the use of artifacts, as this use is "abducted" from the physical and material form of the artifacts themselves and from the observation of how content is transformed within and across them. This approach to design, called immanent design, has inspired a platform for the user-driven development and use of electronic documents and forms in cooperative and organizational domains. The framework is illustrated with a case drawn from a study performed in the domain of hospital work.