System for developing user interface themes

A system is disclosed for tailoring a computer information service user interface to meet the needs and interests of a portion of the subscriber base. A user interface framework based on simplicity, consistency, and uniformity across all screens is defined. Using the user interface model, display characteristics may be defined in accordance with a theme such as for children subscribers of the information service. Display characteristics are embodied in a dynamic linked library so that a theme may be selected when a subscriber initiates a session with the information service.