[xmca] Interface as tool and sign

["Jon Olav H. Eikenes" <jonolav.eikenes@gmail.com>]

Dear XMCA

I am currently doing research on (human-computer) interfaces and try
to analyze them as mediating artifacts. By drawing on social semiotics
I see the interface as a ‘sign’ – a multimodal text that employs
semiotic resources for making meaning. However, I also see the
interface as a tool or instrument for people in carrying out actions
(such as producing music or writing documents) – by drawing on
Vygotsky and Leont’ev. Jay Lemke mentioned to me that there already
have been discussions in XMCA about the differences and similarities
of tools and signs. I have consulted the archives and found many
interesting references. However, I wonder if anyone know any
literature that addresses how something may function both as sign and
as tool at the same time.

Jon Olav
_________________________________
Jon Olav Eikenes
PhD student
www.navimationresearch.net
Oslo School of Architecture and Design
www.aho.no
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