On a computing device, a user interface (UI) layout file is received. The UI layout file defines a visual layout of the GUI. The UI layout file includes a plurality of UI elements each including a UI element identifier and a UI element descriptor. The GUI is displayed via a display according to the UI layout file. An update object specifying UI elements in the UI layout file to be changed is received. The update object includes for each UI element to be changed, the UI element identifier and an update payload including updated information to be displayed via the UI element. The GUI is changed via the display according to the update object.