The BATIC3S project (Building Adaptive Three-dimensional Interfaces for Controlling Complex Control Systems) proposes a methodology to prototype adaptive graphical user interfaces (GUI) for control systems. We present a domain specific language for the control systems domain, including useful and understandable abstractions for domain experts. This is coupled with a methodology for validation, verification and automatic GUI prototype generation. The methodology is centered on metamodel-based techniques and model transformations, and its foundations rely on formal models. Our approach is based on the assumption that a GUI can be induced from the characteristics of the system to control.