Interaction object graphs : an executable graphical notation for specifying user interfaces

Interaction Object Graphs (IOGs) are an executable, graphical specification notation. They are an extension of statecharts, an extended transition diagram. IOGs are designed to specify the details of user-interface widgets. However, they provide all of the expressiveness required to specify entire user interfaces. This is accomplished by specifying the widgets, specifying the relationships between widget attributes, and adding inter-widget dialog states and transitions to complete the user interface. Communication with application code can be through constraints on widget attributes or through designer-specified events. IOGs also provide a hierarchical structure that allows details to be selectively hidden and exposed. This paper describes the IOG diagram and their properties. It then presents a detailed example of how to use IOGs - the partial specification of a net browser. Two properties of widget dialogs are defined, dialog completion and state invariance. Demonstrating these properties in i IOG specification is explained.Godkänd; 1997; 20080325 (ysko)