Using visual ER query systems in real world applications

Abstract

This paper presents experiences from using a visual ER-based query system within large organisations. The system, Hybrfs, has been used by end-users for retrieving information from relational databases. Hybris exploits ER-schemes, graphical querying and an integrated dictionary browser as important facilities in the user interface.

ConQuer: A conceptual query language

“…By contrast the Hybris project [16] integrates the query editor and schema browser. Hybris's approach reduces the user's cognitive load but at the cost of reducing the expressivity of the query language.…”

Interactive Query Formulation using Spider Queries

“…When combining the query by navigation and manipulation mechanisms with the ideas behind visual interfaces for query formulation as described in e.g. [ADD + 92] and [Ros94] powerfull and intuitive tools for computer supported query formulation become feasible. Such tools will also heavily rely on the ideas of direct manipulation interfaces ( [Sch83]) as used in present day computer interfaces.…”

An Overview of Computer Supported Query Formulation

“…When combining the query by navigation and manipulation mechanisms with the ideas behind visual interfaces for query formulation as described in e.g. [ADD + 92] and [Ros94], powerfull and intuitive tools for computer supported query formulation become feasible, resulting in improved information disclosure. Such tools will also heavily rely on the ideas of direct manipulation interfaces ( [Sch83]) as used in present day computer interfaces.…”