Applying Analogy to Schema Generation

To support the generation of database schemas of information systems, a five-step design process is proposed that explores the notions of generic and blended spaces and favours the reuse of predefined schemas. The use o f generic and blended spaces is essential to achieve the passage from the source space into the target space in such a way that differences and conflicts can be detected and, whenever possible, conciliated. The convenience of working with multiple source schemas to cover distinct aspects of a target schema, as well the possibility of creating schemas at the generic and blended spaces, are also considered.