Conformance validation of graphical user interfaces

The authors address the validation of graphical user interfaces in their correctness or conformance to the required functionalities. A functional testing approach is presented with justifications. A form of state diagram (called WinSTD) has been developed in conjunction with a specification notation (called WinSpec) to formally state the valid inputs and outputs of user interfaces for conformance validation. An algebraic notation is used with path algebras, function decomposition and knowledge about interaction components to develop test selection criteria. A case study with a mail user interface program (called Xmail) has been made. The results of the Xmail case study indicate that this approach is effective. The authors have only generated 39 test cases, a relatively small number that can easily be handled by human testers. Human testers´ visual verification of display objects is assisted by the use of WinSTDs. All display objects, functions and messages are tested at least once in these 39 test cases