Engenharia Semiótica na prática: proposta de guia interativo de apoio ao design e desenvolvimento de produtos digitais

Abstract

Semiotic Engineering is a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) theory that understands interaction as a means of communication between the designer and the user, mediated by the system. Although it is a consolidated theory in academia, its application within the professional context of digital product design and development remains under-explored. This work aims to investigate the relationship between Semiotic Engineering and industry professionals, analyzing how this theory is understood, used, and adapted outside the academic environment. The research is applied in nature, with exploratory and descriptive objectives and a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach, structured into three stages based on Communication-Centered Design: Analysis, Interaction and Interface Design, and Evaluation. The Analysis stage consisted of three main procedures: a Systematic Literature Review, with 176 studies evaluated and 24 included; a Systematic Mapping of Technical Texts, with 53 texts retrieved and 8 accepted; and an Exploratory Research via an online questionnaire with 70 responses. The data were triangulated and synthesized to create Personas and Problem Scenarios, guiding the Interaction and Interface Design stage, which culminated in the development of a guide to presenting Semiotic Engineering in practice, based on Communication-Centered Design (CCD). The guide's interaction was modeled using MoLIC and its interface was structured with wireframes, being subsequently evaluated via the Communicability Evaluation Method (CEM) with 9 professionals, 2 as a pilot test and 7 in the main study. Findings indicate low recognition of the theory in the professional context of digital product design and development, with recurring barriers to application such as: lack of knowledge, lack of time, and difficulty accessing quality materials. The evaluation of the guide indicated consistent learning gains, reinforcing that Semiotic Engineering is applicable to the industrial context when communicated in an adapted manner and integrated into established processes.