I would go a step further with Patrick's suggestion. Have a look at how a range of applications handle filtering. For example the way you define a playlist within iTunes is easily achieved with Flex and provides a flexible and easy to understand interface for most users.
Bill Lane --- In flexcoders@yahoogroups.com, Patrick Mineault <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I would suggest looking at what google does. It allows and/or searches > in a completely unobstrusive manner. > > Patrick > > Mike Anderson a écrit : > > > > 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 > > > > >
