The User Interfaces Transition Diagram-Editor - A Tool to Simplify User-System Interaction Modeling

Oct 25, 2026

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The User Interface Transition Diagram (UITD) is a formal modeling notation that streamlines specifying and designing user-system interactions while remaining easy for both technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand during requirements elicitation. The study evaluates efficiency and usability when creating medium-sized UITDs using draw.io versus a dedicated UITD editor. Results show the dedicated editor is faster and preferred, emphasizing the value of specialized tools for formal interaction models and informing stakeholders in software specification and design.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

2. UITD and UITD Editor Features

3. Study Method and Findings

4. Discussion and Implications

Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 2023, 16, 483-495 [https://www.scirp.org/journal/jsea](https://www.scirp.org/journal/jsea) ISSN Online: 1945-3124 ISSN Print: 1945-3116 The User Interfaces Transition Diagram-Editor: A Tool to Simplify User-System Interaction Modeling Maria C. Gómez-Fuentes, Jorge Cervantes-Ojeda, Alan Badillo-Salas Department of Applied Mathematics and Systems, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico How to cite this paper: Gómez-Fuentes, M.C., Cervantes-Ojeda, J. and Badillo-Salas. A. (2023) The User Interfaces Transition Diagram-Editor: A Tool to Simplify UserSystem Interaction Modeling. Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 16, 483-495. [https://doi.org/10.4236/jsea.2023.169023](https://doi.org/10.4236/jsea.2023.169023) Received: June 28, 2023 Accepted: September 15, 2023 Published: September 18, 2023 Copyright © 2023 by author(s) and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0) . [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Open Access Abstract The User Interface Transition Diagram (UITD) is a formal modeling notation that simplifies the specification and design of user-system interactions. It is a valuable communication tool for technical and non-technical stakeholders during the requirements elicitation phase, as it provides a simple yet technically complete notation that is easy to understand. In this paper, we investigated the efficiency of [creating UITDs using draw.io](creating UITDs using draw.io), a widely used diagramming software, compared to a dedicated UITD editor. We conducted a study to compare the time required to use each tool to complete the task of creating a medium size UITD, as well as the subjective ease of use and satisfaction of participants with the dedicated Editor. Our results show that the UITD editor is more efficient and preferred by participants, highlighting the importance of using specialized tools for creating formal models such as UITDs. The findings of this study have implications for software developers, designers, and other stakeholders involved in the specification and design of user-system interactions. Keywords UITD, User Interfaces Flow Specification, Requirements Specification, Modelling Notation 1. Introduction The User Interface Transition Diagram (UITD) is a formal modeling notation that simplifies the specification and design of user-system interactions. It can be used to model the flow of user interfaces that the system will have, which makes it a valuable communication tool for technical and non-technical stakeholders DOI: 10.4236/jsea.2023.169023 Sep. 18, 2023 483 Journal of Software Engineering and Applications during the requirements elicitation phase. Additionally, it is technically accurate, allowing it to be used reliably to start the development of the modelled system [1] . Simplicity is key when working with modeling notations, especially for non-experts [2] . The UITD provides a notation that is both complete and simple enough for non-technical stakeholders to understand [3] . It is a formal modeling notation that is easy to learn, facilitating communication between stakeholders with and without software development technical skills. Compared to other formal modeling tools, the UITD has several advantages including its simplicity, completeness, and ability to model user-system interactions in a clear and concise way. Empirical evidence about the UITD’s understandability by non-technical stakeholders is also provided in [3] . By using the UITD, designers and developers can create models that are both technically accurate and easy to understand, helping to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and satisfied with the specification of the system’s requirements. In recent years, various tools have been developed to support the

FAQs

What is the role of the User Interface Transition Diagram (UITD) in system development?

UITD is a formal modeling notation used to specify and design user-system interactions. It supports clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders during requirements elicitation.

How does draw.io compare with the dedicated UITD editor for creating UITDs?

The paper compares the time required to create a medium-sized UITD and measures subjective ease of use and satisfaction. The dedicated editor is reported as more efficient and preferred by participants.

Why are specialized tools important for creating formal models like UITDs?

The findings highlight that the specialized UITD editor improves efficiency and usability, supporting accurate and understandable formal modeling. This helps align stakeholders on requirements specifications.

Oct 25, 2026

Upload by acoobca