This paper will examine the role of semiotics in teaching design and guiding design projects. Specifically, we will consider the contribution of semiotics as an important discipline for all the aspects of analysis in design and project organization. The focus will be on reception of meaning (analysis of tangible and intangible products and practices) on one hand and, on the other, the production of meaning (conception). In this regard, Michel de Certeau’s work on tactics and strategies is inspiring when it comes to understanding the need for a designer to maintain a dual posture throughout design projects. In conclusion, we will consider design culture in social design, a culture that is also characterized and nourished by the contribution of semiotics when it comes to identifying the specificities and values that define this culture.