A user interface template that implements a task pattern for a model class and a model adapter that provides an interface for the application that conforms to the model class are identified. A user interface for the application is created from the identified user interface template and the identified model adapter. The user interface template may include a generic view and a generic controller. The model adapter may provide a business object interface, and may be configured to communicate with the application via a J2EE Connector Architecture (JCA) connector. The user interface template may define an abstract portlet, and creating a user interface includes creating a portlet instance that communicates with the application via the model adapter. The portlet instance may be configured using an application portlet builder portlet. The portlet builder may also identify the user interface template and the model adapter.