Semiotic Information Systems: Cognitive, Methodological, Organizational, and Technological Criteria

Abstract. Semiotic information systems entail a dispositional user perspective. Semiotics as the theory of signs focuses on information from user points of view and implies that information systems be designed as knowledge and action support systems in various contexts. This has cognitive, methodological, organizational and technological implications and suggests corresponding criteria that must be met if we are to replace traditional (un-assuring) data and information processing systems with those that provide assurances to the users in the electronic world (e-world). Assurance is a transient attribute of knowledge because what we know changes frequently and what we receive in terms of information may neither be believable nor true. To dispel doubts requires assurances that are defined as necessary and sufficient evidence that information (or information systems and technology) meet their recipients ’ (or their users’) knowledge (or belief, trust or confidence) requirements in support of rational action in one or more specific organizational or personal contexts