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Development of Graphical User Interfaces based on User Interface Patterns

Authors:
Stefan Wendler
Danny Ammon
Teodora Kikova
Ilka Philippow

Keywords: graphical user interface; model driven software development; user interface patterns; UIML; UsiXML

Abstract:
This paper addresses the research concerning possibilities for reducing the effort of adapting graphical user interfaces to requirements of individual customers. User interface patterns are promising artifacts for improvements in this regard. The details of graphical user interface transformations from user interface patterns into executable interface code are considered. We describe how reuse and automation within user interface transformation steps can be established. For this purpose, formal descriptions of user interface patterns are necessary. Today, however, most user interface patterns exist only in a verbal or graphical form of description. We use XML-based user interface description languages like UIML and UsiXML for the specification of user interface patterns. We experimentally investigated and analyzed strengths and weaknesses of two transformation approaches which were built on different software patterns. As a result, we show that formal user interface patterns can be transformed into executable interfaces, and that they assist in raising effectiveness and efficiency of the development process of a GUI system. Finally, we developed suggestions on how to apply these positive effects of user interface patterns for the development of pattern-based graphical user interfaces.

Pages: 57 to 66

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2012

Publication date: July 22, 2012

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-3557

ISBN: 978-1-61208-221-9

Location: Nice, France

Dates: from July 22, 2012 to July 27, 2012