A framework for user-interfaces to databases

ABSTRACT

A framework for user-interfaces to databases (IDSs) is proposed which draws from existing research on human computer interaction (HCI) and database systems. The framework is described in terms of a classification of the characteristic components of an IDS. These components, when progressively refined, may be mapped to a conceptual object-oriented language for the precise specification of the IDS. A prototype system is presented, showing the potential for automated mapping of a language specification to a fully functional implementation. As well as providing general support to any database interface developer, we believe that the framework will prove useful for researching a number of IDS issues.

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INDEX TERMS

Keywords:
conceptual modelling, direct manipulation interfaces, human-computer interaction (HCI), user-interfaces to databases