Integrating UIML, task, dialogs with layout patterns for multi-device user interface design

Abstract

HCI Patterns represent design knowledge that can be reapplied in different situations where the same type of tasks has to be represented. This can be done easily if the devices that support these tasks do not differ in input and output capabilities. A pattern described with the traditional Alexandrian notation does not contain sufficient information “as is” to be flexible enough to support multi-device user interface design and automatically adapt according to the context of use. On the other hand, a degree of plasticity for a pattern can be defined that determines the varying contexts where the pattern can be applied. We show how a certain type of interaction patterns, layout patterns, can be combined with a model-based interface development process to support multi-device user interface design. The suitability of a certain layout pattern can be automatically determined by combining information contained in the various models and the description of the pattern.