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[Aug. 6th, 2005|10:41 am] |
There's a piece of software I'd like to see get written.
The average small academic science lab gathers all sorts of data but doesn't have any useful way to store, organize, and analyze the data.
I'd like to see a wizard interface that helps a user describe the data they're storing and builds for them a database on the back end, front-end forms for entering data, and a simple set of query tools. I'd like to see this all run over the web so it can be created and used from their favorite computer's favorite web browser.
My division at IU could probably fairly readily provide the servers, back-end relational databases, DBA support, and system administration required to run the service. There's a slim chance we'll get around to funding a project to write the wizard, but I bet a couple of talented programmers could knock out something useful relatively quickly if they were motivated to.
Why don't I do it? Well, maybe I will. Maybe I will. I tend to perform best when I've got a clear
vision of what I'm trying to create. I haven't got that clear vision yet, but it's percolating. Unfortunately, I've got enough other things to spend my energy on, that I don't see it likely that I'll get to a big project like this that would require a lot of learning on my part.
If the right set of people were to show enthusiasm for it, though, or particularly if a project got started up on it, I think I might be able to get excited about it and contribute a lot. |
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I've been using phpMyAdmin for my MySQL link database. It may be too technical for your users, but it's pretty simple and elegant as such things go. I had considered writing a front end to add links to the database, but it wasn't worth the effort when I could just use phpMyAdmin. Now of course I'll be storing new web links in my Wiki. I need to move the old ones there from my database someday. I guess.
The trick here is the "getting users to describe their data" part.
Users don't think like that, and I despair of getting an automated tool to do that thinking for them.
They know what their data ought to look like. Sort of. ("Italic." "In a table." "With big print.") That's all they know about it.
It's a lovely idea, but I'd have to see it implemented. Plan lots and lots of usability testing if you try it.
Yea!! for new improved data processing....but that didnt make much sense as far as what exactly you want it to do...damn computer lingo :) | |
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