I've been using a lot more drilldown techniques to conquer the problem you mentioned. Using trees to organize the higher level data to get to more specific sets of data. Setting filters on the tree data so that users can quickly get to more relevant data and also using tabs to switch between different types of views. It eliminates the need to create complex search forms that need a lot of validators. Users can only digest so many records at a time. The best place to start is understanding what the users want to see, why they are searching.
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Anderson Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 11:25 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [flexcoders] Question for all you SQL Query experts Hello All, I was wondering how you more seasoned SQL programmers (as it relates to the User Interface side of things), provide the ability of advanced SQL Queries to novice users - but in a "easy to use" and "non-threatening" manner? We have an extensive parts database, and the only way to truly search this thing, is by giving users the ability to perform robust "and", "or" as well as "and/or" type queries. Back in the HTML days, I would simply give the users 4 sets of blanks, in which they could put in 4 unique sets of search criteria - with "And" or "Or" in a DropDown box. This worked well enough I guess... but for the power-users, who wanted to perform more advanced queries - with more than 4 search criteria, I was always in a quandary as to what to do. There is a fine line between functionality and usability, especially when it comes to Data-Driven applications that are very "Text Intensive". With Flex having the ability to offer such spectacular user interfaces, I was wondering what techniques I could use NOW, that could offer a truly powerful user experience - but still *keeping it simple*. I would love to hear some input regarding this topic - Thanks in advance for all your help, Mike -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links *** The information in this e-mail is confidential and intended solely for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the sender by return e-mail delete this e-mail and refrain from any disclosure or action based on the information. ***
