1. A method for configuring a graphical user interface (GUI) element to publish or subscribe to a data target or data source, respectively, the method comprising: displaying the GUI element on a display; receiving user input specifying at least one of a data source or data target with which to associate the GUI element; in response to said receiving user input, automatically configuring the GUI element to perform at least one of: 1) receiving and displaying data from the specified data source; and/or 2) publishing data associated with the GUI element to the specified data target.