Definition of "user interface component" in mobile context

[JJdeGroot]

In the meeting of October 9, the definition of user interface component came up.

A part of the content that is perceived by users as a single control for a distinct function

Note 1
Multiple user interface components may be implemented as a single programmatic element. "Components" here is not tied to programming techniques, but rather to what the user perceives as separate controls.

Note 2
User interface components include form elements and links as well as components generated by scripts.

Note 3
What is meant by "component" or "user interface component" here is also sometimes called "user interface element."

Example
Example: An applet has a "control" that can be used to move through content by line or page or random access. Since each of these would need to have a name and be settable independently, they would each be a "user interface component."

We need to consider which types of mobile interface elements are considered a user interface component.

[JJdeGroot]

As part of this issue, we might also work on defining user interface component provided by the platform?

• when is something an "inactive component"
• when is the appearance determined by the user agent
• when is a component "not modified"

User Interface Components
Visual information required to identify user interface components and states, except for inactive components or where the appearance of the component is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author;

[JJdeGroot]

Note 3
What is meant by "component" or "user interface component" here is also sometimes called "user interface element."

We want to be consistent with wording, perhaps substitute alternatives for one word.

[detlevhfischer]

In the text above, I think the applet example is a bit weird (dated?) - it is not easy to picture what kind of "control" it is that allows users "to move through content by line or page or random access". It is also weird in that it seems to sit on some meta level, a bit like user agent or AT controls.