Implementation Strategies for Multidimensional Spreadsheets
This addresses spreadsheet usability for developers handling complex data, but it is incremental as it compares existing strategies without introducing new methods.
The study analyzed how experienced Excel developers implemented multi-dimensional spreadsheets, finding that most used projections onto 2D planes while a few used a database approach with simpler formulas.
Seasoned Excel developers were invited to participate in a challenge to implement a spreadsheet with multi-dimensional variables. We analyzed their spreadsheet to see the different implement strategies employed. We identified two strategies: most participants used a projection of three or four-dimensional variables on the two-dimensional plane used by Excel. A few participants used a database approach where the multi-dimensional variables are presented in the form of a dataset table with the appropriate primary key. This approach leads to simpler formulas.