The fields of Information Systems (IS) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) have both experienced a move from an exclusively objectivist perspective to the inclusion of interpretative and subjective aspects in system design. This paper aims at constructing a semiotic-based referential to model user requirements reflecting them in the interface design. The proposed approach is illustrated with a case study in which three teams of academics with practical knowledge in software development were exposed to the methodological referential to model a real problem using methods and techniques from Organizational Semiotics. From this modelling, interface prototypes were built and we could observe that they had reflected the language, rules, navigation and spaces represented in the models. The results achieved suggest that the theoretical referential seems to be an appropriate foundation for understanding a subjective view to information systems, and a guiding concept for joining HCI and IS projects.46 179190Adler, P.S., Winograd, T., The usability challenge (1992) Usability: Turning Technologies into Tools, , P.S. Adler and T.A. Winograd (eds.), Oxford University Press, USAAndersen, P.B., Holmqvist, B., Jensen, J.F., (1993) The Computer as Medium, , Cambridge University Press, USAAndersen, P.B., (1997) A Theory of Computer Semiotics, , Cambridge University Press, USAEhn, P., Lowgren, J., Design for quality-in-use: Human-Computer interaction meets information systems development (1997) Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction, , M. Helander, T. K, Landauer, P. Prabhu (eds.), Second completely revised edition, Elsevier Science. The NetherlandsJorna, R., Heusden, B., Semiotics of the user interface (1996) Semiótica, 109 (3-4), pp. 237-250Liu, K., (2000) Semiotics in Information Systems Engineering, , Cambridge University Press, CambridgeLiu, X., (2001) Employing MEASUR Methods for Business Process Reengineering in China, , Ph. D. Thesis University of Twente, Enschede, the NetherlandsMorris, C.W., Foundations of the theory of signs (1938) International Encyclopedia of Unified Science, Semiotics in Information Systems Engineering, 1 (2). , University of Chicago Press, Chicago apud Liu, K, Engineering, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, (2000)Nadin, M., Interface design: A semiotic paradigm (1988) Semiotica, 69, pp. 269-302The circulation document (1995) Organizational Semiotics Workshop, , OSW, Enschede apud Liu, K. (2000), Semiotics in Information Systems Engineering, Cambridge University Press, CambridgeSommerville, I., (2001) Software Engineering, , International computer science series. Addison-Wesley Publishers Limited-USA, 6th editionStamper, R.K., (1973) Information in Business and Administrative Systems, Semiotics in Information Systems Engineering, , John Wiley and Sons, New York apud Liu, K. (2000), Cambridge University Press, CambridgeStamper, R.K., Social norms in requirements analysis - An outline of MEASUR (1993) Requirements Engineering, Technical and Social Aspects, , Jirotka, M., Goguen, J. and Bickerton, M. (eds.), Academic Press, New YorkWinograd, T., Flores, F., (1986) Understanding Computers and Cognition-A New Foundation for Design, , Norwood, NJ: AbleWright, G.H.V., Norms and actions - A logical inquiry (1963) Semiotics in Information Systems Engineering, , Routledge and Kegan Paul, New York, apud Liu, K. (2000), Cambridge University Press, Cambridg