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ABSTRACT

Ubiquitous computing introduces new constraints on the way we build interactive systems. Traditionally centralized, user interfaces (UI) can be distributed across a dynamic set of heterogeneous devices. In this article, we examine these new kinds of UIs, named plastic UIs, from a software engineering perspective. They are dynamic adaptable distributed software, and they able to deal with device heterogeneity at multiple levels of abstraction. However, the generic solutions from distributed software do not take into account the specificity of human-computer interaction. To address these limitations, we propose Ethylene, a conceptual and technical framework to develop UIs for ubiquitous computing. Our solution is based on the integration of model driven engineering with a particular combination of component and service oriented approaches, as weel as an original way to overcome the heterogeneity of communication models between components.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Theory and methods

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
HCI, UI dynamic adaptation, UI plasticity, adaptation at runtime, assembly of heterogeneous software components, service oriented component, ubiquitous computing