Breaking Out of the Cell: On The Benefits of a New Spreadsheet User-Interaction Paradigm

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new user-interaction paradigm for spreadsheets that improves creation, maintenance, and comprehension by generating spreadsheets directly from plain-language descriptions, addressing issues of errors and complexity.

Contribution

It proposes an alternative to the standard cell-matrix paradigm, enabling automated spreadsheet generation from business model descriptions, exemplified by the Sunsight Modeller system.

Findings

Reduces spreadsheet errors and auditing difficulties

Enhances comprehension of complex business models

Facilitates easier creation and maintenance of spreadsheets

Abstract

Contemporary spreadsheets are plagued by a profusion of errors, auditing difficulties, lack of uniform development methodologies, and barriers to easy comprehension of the underlying business models they represent. This paper presents a case that most of these difficulties stem from the fact that the standard spreadsheet user-interaction paradigm - the 'cell-matrix' approach - is appropriate for spreadsheet data presentation but has significant drawbacks with respect to spreadsheet creation, maintenance and comprehension when workbooks pass a minimal threshold of complexity. An alternative paradigm for the automated generation of spreadsheets directly from plain-language business model descriptions is presented along with its potential benefits. Sunsight Modeller (TM), a working software system implementing the suggested paradigm, is briefly described.