A Matching Algorithm to Assess Web Interfaces

Abstract

The work presented in this article is part of ongoing research on the automated assessment of simple web applications. The proposed algorithm compares two interfaces by mapping their elements, using properties to identify those with the same role in both interfaces. The algorithm proceeds in three stages: firstly, it selects the relevant elements from both interfaces; secondly, it refines elements’ attributes, excluding some and computing new ones; finally, it matches elements based on attribute similitude. The article includes an experiment to validate the algorithm as an assessment tool. As part of this experiment, a set of experts classified multiple web interfaces. Statistical analysis found a significant correlation between classifications made by the algorithm and those made by experts. The article also discusses the exploitation of the algorithm’s output to access both the layout and functionality of a web interface and produce feedback messages in an automated assessment environment, which is planned as future research.