Aron-Levi Herregodts

RMLEditor: A Graph-Based Mapping Editor for Linked Data Mappings

Although several tools have been implemented to generate Linked Data from raw data, users still need to be aware of the underlying technologies and Linked Data principles to use them. Mapping languages enable to detach the mapping definitions from the implementation that executes them. However, no thorough research has been conducted on how to facilitate the editing of mappings. We propose the rmleditor, a visual graph-based user interface, which allows users to easily define the mappings that deliver the rdf representation of the corresponding raw data. Neither knowledge of the underlying mapping language nor the used technologies is required. The rmleditor aims to facilitate the editing of mappings, and thereby lowers the barriers to create Linked Data. The rmleditor is developed for use by data specialists who are partners of ii¾źa companies-driven pilot and iii¾źa community group. The current version of the rmleditor was validated: participants indicate that it is adequate for its purpose and the graph-based approach enables users to conceive the linked nature of the data.

Specification and Implementation of Mapping Rule Visualization and Editing: MapVOWL and the RMLEditor

Visual tools are implemented to help users in defining how to generate Linked Data from raw data. This is possible thanks to mapping languages which enable detaching mapping rules from the implementation that executes them. However, no thorough research has been conducted so far on how to visualize such mapping rules, especially if they become large and require considering multiple heterogeneous raw data sources and transformed data values. In the past, we proposed the RMLEditor, a visual graph-based user interface, which allows users to easily create mapping rules for generating Linked Data from raw data. In this paper, we build on top of our existing work: we (i) specify a visual notation for graph visualizations used to represent mapping rules, (ii) introduce an approach for manipulating rules when large visualizations emerge, and (iii) propose an approach to uniformly visualize data fraction of raw data sources combined with an interactive interface for uniform data fraction transformations. We perform two additional comparative user studies. The first one compares the use of the visual notation to present mapping rules to the use of a mapping language directly, which reveals that the visual notation is preferred. The second one compares the use of the graph-based RMLEditor for creating mapping rules to the form-based RMLx Visual Editor, which reveals that graph-based visualizations are preferred to create mapping rules through the use of our proposed visual notation and uniform representation of heterogeneous data sources and data values.

People with disabilities as product innovators: a pilot study

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the rate of product innovation among persons with disabilities, how they are diffused and the general value of these developed solutions for persons without disabilities. Materials and methods: A sample of participants (n = 178) completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included information about their disability, disability burden, general unmet product needs, the impact of the developed solution on their quality of life and how solutions were diffused. We analyzed solutions both for their novelty and for their general value. Results: Close to 45% of respondents reported having developed a solution, with 9.55% solutions judged as novel. Additionally, 6.8% of respondents developed a solution of general value to non-disabled users. Conclusions: Our results suggest that people with disabilities are actively involved in product development and that their solutions have a positive impact on their lives. Furthermore, many reported solutions also provide value for non-disabled persons, suggesting that persons with disabilities may be an important source of innovation. Implications for Rehabilitation Persons with disabilities are frequently engaged in developing solutions that meet their unmet product needs. Most solutions are not diffused beyond their immediate social circle. Solutions have a significant impact on the self-reported quality of life of participants.

Product Ideation by Persons with Disabilities: An Analysis of Lead User Characteristics

Product dissatisfaction among persons with disabilities is not uncommon. Innovation theory suggests that dissatisfied users who stand to benefit from having their unmet needs solved, are likely to be product innovators. However, among disabled persons, little empirical research has thus far been done to determine their degree of ideation, or which characteristics are associated with product ideators. Within this study, we present results from a survey of 178 persons with disabilities, exploring their ideas for products. A panel of two expert judges evaluated their ideas based on user value, feasibility and originality. Using the total score of these three attributes, we used a hierarchical multiple regression model to explore which user attributes can be associated with the best ideas. Our results indicate that overall product dissatisfaction and academic degree ownership both effect idea quality. Furthermore, 12% of respondents also generated ideas that are relevant for non-disabled people.