TABLE OF CONTENTS In most cases, commercial DBMS software includes some type of predefined user interface. For custom applications or customized versions of commercial software products, it is sometimes necessary to develop user interfaces that meet existing workflow requirements or specific needs and preferences of the end users. This chapter does not cover the programmatic aspects of developing a user interface but presents concepts and suggestions to make that process more effective and efficient.
The importance of user input and feedback as a critical part of a successful data management project has been stressed throughout this book. The user interface is probably the single most important part of this process because it is the point where the user interacts with the data. No matter how well planned and executed the other parts of the system are or how efficient the DBMS, if the interface is cumbersome, difficult to learn, and absent the desired functionality, the entire process will fail. If the clients (the users, in this case) are dissatisfied with the product, they won't use it.
Careful planning at this stage is vital. Key users from various disciplines in the organization should be invited to participate in this process. The developer and DBM should meet with the user community in a series of information-gathering sessions to develop a general prototype of the interface.
Develop a survey strategy. Before meeting with any users, the DBM should meet with the developers to discuss what has been planned...
