Title: Retrospective on UI description languages, based on eight years' experience with the User Interface Markup Language (UIML)

Authors: James Helms, Marc Abrams

Addresses: Harmonia, Inc., P.O. Box 11282, 1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 2820, Blacksburg, VA 24062, USA. ' Harmonia, Inc., P.O. Box 11282, 1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 2820, Blacksburg, VA 24062, USA

Abstract: In this article, we reflect on the experiences of the project to develop and evolve the User Interface Markup Language (UIML), starting from its origin in 1997. We have two objectives in our discussion. First, we suggest one possible vision of a community of researchers and practitioners working on Open User Interface Description Languages (UIDLs), what they could achieve, and how this can help in the transition to a knowledge society. Second, we relate lessons learned from UIML in the hope that other UIDL researchers may avoid the issues and stumbling blocks we encountered along the way.

Keywords: User Interface Description Languages; UIDL; User Interface Markup Language; UIML; eXtensible Markup Language; XML; user interfaces; usability engineering; software engineering; life cycle.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWET.2008.018095

International Journal of Web Engineering and Technology, 2008 Vol.4 No.2, pp.138 - 162

Published online: 01 May 2008 *

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