Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Can you predict what types (categories, not specific items) of new information
you'll need in order to carry out your duties as the organization evolves?
Doyouanticipate aneedfornewinformationifyourdutiesareincreasedasaresult
of the organization's evolution?
Keep in mind that most of the participants' answers will be based on
speculation.
There's
no accurate way for them to predict what types of information they'll really need until the
organization's evolution occurs. However, if you can anticipate their hypothetical inform-
ation requirements, you can prepare for them by defining the necessary data structures in
advance.
Astheparticipantsrespond,usetheSubject-IdentificationTechniquetoidentifybrand-new
subjects and then add them to your list of subjects. Then use the Characteristic-Identifica-
tionTechniquetouncovernewdetailsconcerningexistingornewsubjectsandaddthemto
your list of characteristics.
You can sketch ideas for new reports or data entry forms to help participants visualize the
typesofinformationtheymayneedinthefuture.Thesesketchescanthenhelpyouidentify
new subjects or characteristics that the database structure needs to address. If you create
several rough drawings of sample reports, be sure to assemble them in a separate, clearly
marked folder. Then code each revision so that you can compare it with earlier revisions.
Figure 6.13
shows an example of a preliminary design for a future report.
