The purpose of this paper is to explore existing semiotic techniques in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses in analysing interactive media systems. Three individual studies are compared using variations of product semiotics, visual semiotics and Eco’s revised KF (Katz & Fodor) model. Taken individually each study does not provide a wholly satisfactory solution to the problems of evaluation. However, when considered together, the possibility of an integrated semiotic theory becomes an attractive proposition as an evaluation method. This paper suggests that older semiotic approaches, while useful, are not enough in themselves. In order to be useful to HCI (Human Computer Interaction), the relevant aspects of semiotic theory must be integrated with an understanding of interactive interpretation, in such a way, as to produce a semiotics of new interactive media that is capable of articulating its specific characteristics.