A Functional Model of Interacting Systems: A Semiotic approach

Recent developments in Human-Computer interaction (HCI), computer supported co-operative work (CSCW) and a distributed approach to artificial intelligence (DAI) share a common problem: communication. We are moving towards a situation of multiple interacting systems. Some of these systems will be humans, others will be 'intelligent' agents and still others will be 'dumb' devices. Unless we are clear as to the capabilities of these systems, serious misunderstandings and impoverished HCI will result. This paper seeks to provide the basis of a theory of interaction within which communication can be understood and the capabilities of systems to communicate are brought to the foreground.