Generating user interfaces from data models and dialogue net specifications

ABSTRACT

A method and a set of supporting tools have been developed for an improved integration of user interface design with software engineering methods and tools. Animated user interfaces for database-oriented applications are generated from an extended data model and a new graphical technique for specifying dialogues. Based on views defined for the data model, an expert system uses explicit design rules derived from existing guidelines for producing the static layout of the user interface. A petri net based technique called dialogue nets is used for specifying the dynamic behaviour. Output is generated for an existing user interface management system. The approach supports rapid prototyping while using the advantages of standard software engineering methods.

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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: User interface management systems (UIMS)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces
      D.2.m Miscellaneous
          Subjects: Rapid prototyping**

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.2 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.1 Logical Design
          Subjects: Data models

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.8 Types of Simulation
          Subjects: Parallel

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design

Keywords:
automatic user interface design, dialogue nets, dialogue specification, user interface management systems