A new approach to the way in which users interact with the computer in an on-line environment is presented. The method is designed specifically to provide both a friendly and highly productive means of communicating user requirements. Unlike systems which are targeted toward either novice computer users or experienced programmers, the approach we take is well suited for all levels along this continuum. AmericanProfilesm, a system which provides access to demographic and economic data for both standard geo-political units of analysis (states, counties, SMSA's, Zip codes, etc.) and unique small areas (polygons, circles, etc.), is discussed as an actual case point to illustrate our approach.