Supporting productive thinking: The semiotic context for Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE)

- Pierce's Triadic Model of Semiotics provides context for understanding Rasmussen's work.
- The Triadic Semiotic Model provides common ground for design and evaluation of cognitive systems.
- Rasmussen emphasized human capabilities as a resource for improving system performance.
- Components of Rasmussen's approach are evaluated through the lens of the Triadic Semiotic Model.

The central thesis of this paper is that Rasmussen framed his approach to Cognitive Systems Engineering from the perspective of a Triadic Semiotic Model. This frame became the context for integrating multiple intellectual threads including Control Theory, Information Theory, Ecological Psychology, and Gestalt Psychology into a coherent theoretical framework. The case is made that the triadic semiotic framework is essential for a complete appreciation of the constructs that were central to Rasmussen's approach: Abstraction Hierarchy, Skill-Rules-Knowledge Model, Ecological Interface Design, and Proactive Risk Management.