Making Database Systems Usable

Abstract

Database researchers have striven to improve the capability of a database in terms of both performance and functionality. We assert that the <i>usability</i> 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 <i>presentation data model</i> and recommend <i>direct data manipulation</i> with a <i>schema later</i> approach. We also stress the importance of <i>provenance</i> and of <i>consistency</i> across presentation models.