C.J. Date’s Sigmod 1983 keynote emphasized the crucial importance of database usability to customers over impressive benchmarks and algorithms. The paper from Sigmod 2007 reiterates this point and notes the challenges faced in database usability, a wicked problem. It discusses the pain points in relational models, query formulation, advanced tools, confusing system behavior, lack of intuitive interfaces, and complexity in creating and populating databases. The future recommendations include expanding presentation data models, integrating provenance, improving interaction methods, and supporting flexible schema designs. Despite advancements in database systems, significant challenges remain in enhancing database usability, especially with the shift towards distributed systems. The use of Large Language Models (LLMs) may hold potential if applied intentionally.
http://muratbuffalo.blogspot.com/2024/08/making-database-systems-usable.html