Visualisering av en relationsdatabas : En fallstudie

Sammanfattning: This thesis aims to explore what advantages could be found in using a three-dimensional visualization of a relation-database, rather than a more conventional means of visualization. This comparison needed two visualization-environments with interactivity capabilities, designed to ease handling customer and system relations for the Forestry Solutions department of CGI Gävle. First, a database was created, using a database-model that CGI provided, which included the structure of the internal relations between customers and systems in the database. This database was then filled with fictive data with corresponding structure, but not including potentially sensitive information. Then methods for gathering and inserting data into the database were created, for use by both solutions. This was crucial for the separation of the graphical interface and the underlying structure, which would keep the possibility to exchange the graphical portion of the system without affecting what lies underneath. The two visualization systems were then constructed in parallel, the 3D-system was mainly constructed in Unity, while the conventional system was constructed only using Visual Studio, for a Windows Forms application. The two systems were then tested by a few CGI employees with different internal roles, where they received a few tasks to complete, while being timed. This was then followed by an interview, where the test subjects had the opportunity to provide us with feedback to both systems design, implementation and which system they preferred using. They were also asked if they had any constructive feedback for further development, which led to us having a deeper understanding of what was necessary for a system of this purpose. This work concluded, based on tests, interview and studies that a three-dimensional visualization, if done correctly, would have great potential. We also concluded based on user feedback that combining both systems into one would have a positive impact on usability.