Designing Scalable Interfaces
http://infocentre.frontend.com/infocentre/articles/designingscalableinterfaces.html

Quinn, Anthony
Frontend Infocentre
2001

Abstract:

Scalable interface design ensures that interface development takes account of the need to change over time, providing solutions that are flexible and thus 'future-proof' to some extent. Too often complex interface designs require a complete overhaul when even the smallest change is required in the functionality of the application or site in question. Building 'scalable' interfaces in the first place will save time and cost in the long term - and make coping with upgrades easier for your customers.