an application specific framework is generated from configuration information contained in a configuration file . the application specific framework comprises a state transformation diagram . application specific plug - in code is generated from the configuration information for attaching application programs to the framework . external events trigger navigation of the state transformation diagram according to rules derived from user profile and user state information . navigation of the state transformation exercises function of the attached application programs . modification of the function of the framework is accomplished by simply modifying the configuration information as needed .