An Overview of Computer Supported Query Formulation

TL;DR

This paper reviews computer-supported query formulation methods that enable users to easily and intuitively access vital information stored in organizational information systems, emphasizing user-friendly mechanisms over complex query languages.

Contribution

It provides an overview of approaches for supporting user-friendly query formulation in information systems, highlighting the importance of intuitive mechanisms for effective information disclosure.

Findings

Emphasizes the necessity of user-friendly query mechanisms for effective information retrieval.

Highlights the gap between complex query languages and user perception of information.

Underscores the importance of support tools for information disclosure in organizational systems.

Abstract

Most present day organisations make use of some automated information system. This usually means that a large body of vital corporate information is stored in these information systems. As a result, an essential function of information systems should be the support of disclosure of this information. We purposely use the term {\em information disclosure} in this context. When using the term information disclosure we envision a computer supported mechanism that allows for an easy and intuitive formulation of queries in a language that is as close to the user's perception of the universe of discourse as possible. From this point of view, it is only obvious that we do not consider a simple query mechanism where users have to enter complex queries manually and look up what information is stored in a set of relational tables. Without a set of adequate information disclosure avenues an information system becomes worthless since there is no use in storing information that will never be retrieved.