A Formal Specification of Interaction Widgets Hierarchy Framework

Abstract

In this paper we provide a behavioural classification of user interaction widgets. We use Object Constraint Language (OCL) to specify widget constraints in a formal manner. The benefits of such a behavioral classification are that application interface can be described in a device and technology independent way, and that Design by Contract Principle can be applied to reason about the conformance of widgets at various level of abstraction. In addition, such classification can be considered as a guideline for mapping between abstract widgets and concrete widgets.