Database researchers have striven to improve the capability of a database in terms of both performance and functionality. We assert that the usability of a database is as important as its capability. In this paper, we study why database systems today are so difficult to use. We identify a set of five pain points and propose a research agenda to address these. In particular, we introduce a presentation data model and recommend direct data manipulation with a schema later approach. We also stress the importance of provenance and of consistency across presentation models.
In REF , the authors propose a presentation layer on top of a relational database in order to improve its usability, stressing the importance of provenance.
Making database systems usable
SIGMOD '07
Computer Science