A method and system are provided for testing a graphical user interface (GUI). The method includes providing a pattern of a collection of generalized interface object types, searching an interface or a model of an interface for instances of collections of interface objects matching the pattern, and identifying a control provided by the interface represented by the collection of interface object types and its location in the interface hierarchy. A pattern includes a first generalized object type and a second generalized object type with a specified relative position in the interface to the first object type.