Human factors aspects of a modern data base system

Abstract

The focus of this work is to develop tools and procedures so that non-computer specialists can more effectively manage and use data. The results of several research projects over a number of years have given a spectrum of approaches to make data systems easier to use. In our work, the relational model of data was simplified so that novice users could easily understand their data relationships. An algebraic relational command language was developed to bring the power of relational data manipulation to non-programmers. This research was followed by development of an extended command system that allows users to name and describe their data in English words rather than in cryptic abbreviated forms. In parallel with this, a menu interface to a relational system was developed. The degree of completeness of these approaches, the overall effectiveness in actual operation, some data collected from users, and the ease of learning have been analyzed and are reported.