A Methodology for Modeling the User Interfaces: An Integrated UML and PAC Model

Abstract

Graphical user interface (GUI) has become the key element of modem information systems (ISs) and is commonly viewed as one of the decisive factors for the success of an IS project. To help develop effective GUIs, many tools have been introduced by software vendors to meet the needs of designing a variety of user interfaces. Such modem design tools offer system developer vehicles to create sophisticated GUI with a few codes. However, the complicity of many GUIs and the varying expectations among users, analysts and designers make the communication among them and the use of most prevailing design tools a real challenge.
This paper presents a new modeling methodology, which refines the Presentation-Abstraction-Control (PAC) model and integrates it with the interface drawing, interface glossary, and Unified Modeling Language (UML). The methodology provides a seamless and graphical approach and specifications to help alleviate the problems caused by the mis-communication and the knowledge gaps existing among users, designers and developers. A real-world case using the integrated techniques is presented and a system is developed to illustrate the concepts, application, and the advantages of using the proposed methodology.