Abstract: A method and system for modifying an existing user interface at the user task level, such that the existing user interface is contained within the data-processing system. Initially, user tasks that enable particular user interface functions are identified within the existing user interface. Each identified user task is then abstracted into a grouping of objects such that the grouping of objects includes a task object which provides a non-interface specific abstraction of the user task, and a view object which provides a user interface abstraction of the task object. Thereafter the user interface of an identified user task is modified by altering only the view object of the plurality of objects maintained within the user task, such that an alteration of the view object allows a user to effect specific changes to selected portions of the existing user interface without globally altering the existing user interface.