Development of a conceptual query language: Adopting the user-centered methodology

The pervasiveness of end-user computing tools in the home and in workplaces, as well as the linkage of PCs into networks, have led to a convergence of end-user computing and corporate computing. As a result of this phenomenon, and because the productivity of end-users with these tools depends on how well suited the tools are to users, the issue of the suitability of computing tools for end-users is a valid concern for organizations. In the area of databases (DBs), the concern is that of ensuring the suitability of ad hoc querying and reporting tools for end-users. The significance of this concern lies in the realization that organizations and DB users are depending on more and more complex DBs, for example those being placed on the Web. DB researchers therefore argue for the adoption of the user-centered approach in developing these tools, to ensure suitability. The adoption of this approach in the development of the Conceptual Query Language (CQL) is reported in this paper. Also discussed is the series of experimental tests conducted to ascertain the impact of the approach on the usability of CQL. The test results suggest an improvement in user performance with and perception of CQL as a result of user participation in its development process.