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Overview

Imagine if every interface was open source. Any of us could modify the software we use every day. Unfortunately, we don't have the source.

Prefab realizes this vision using only the pixels of everyday interfaces. This video shows using Prefab to add new functionality to Adobe Photoshop, Apple iTunes, and Microsoft Windows Media Player. Prefab represents a new approach to deploying HCI research in everyday software, and is also the first step toward a future where anybody can modify any interface.

Video

Papers
[C.33] 22% Best Paper Winner local PDF official PDF local MOV YouTube		Dixon, M. and Fogarty, J. (2010). Prefab: Implementing Advanced Behaviors Using Pixel-Based Reverse Engineering of Interface Structure. Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2010), pp. 1525-1534.
[W.12] local PDF	Dixon, M. and Fogarty, J. (2009). Prefab: What if Every GUI were Open-Source. To Appear at The ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Workshop on the Future of FLOSS in CHI Research and Practice (CHI 2010).
Related Press
	UW Researchers Look to Reinvent the Graphical User Interface. Eaton, N. Seattle PI, March 30, 2010.
	Software Customized by Users: UW Prof Wants to Revolutionize UI. Bishop, T. TechFlash, March 31, 2010.
	New Application Could Make All Software 'Open Source'. Barber, N. PCWorld, March 31, 2010.
	Re-Inventing the Graphical User Interface. CCC/CRA Computing Research Highlight of the Week, March 31 - April 9, 2010.
	University of Washington's Prefab Tool Promises to 'Unlock the Desktop'. Melanson, D. Engadget, April 1, 2010.
	Giving Users the Power to Customize Proprietary Software. Gordon, J. Future Tense, April 1, 2010.
	Prefab May Give Any Software Open Sourciness. Noyes, K. LinuxInsider, April 2, 2010.