Using Temporal Logic in the Specification of Reactive and Interactive Systems

Typically formal notations for interactive systems previously presented in the literature (e.g. [2, 6, 18]) synthesize two or more languages. We contend that it would be preferable if one were able to use a single soundly based specification language which is expressive enough to capture HCI issues. Taking a lead from Lamport’s Temporal Logic of Actions, (TLA), [14] we outline a language for expressing models of systems based on temporal logic, and make clear the design process we intend this language to be a part of. We discuss two equivalent specification styles using this language; firstly describing the functionality of the system and secondly describing the interactions of the system. We contend that the second is more ‘HCI-centric’ than the first. We discuss other issues raised by the use of the language and set down an agenda for future work.