{"id":21065,"date":"2024-05-08T11:36:39","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T15:36:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvsnightingstg.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=21065"},"modified":"2024-05-08T14:21:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T18:21:32","slug":"tips-tricks-to-improve-dashboard-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nightingaledvs.com\/tips-tricks-to-improve-dashboard-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips & Tricks to Improve your Dashboard Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dashboard design elements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are five important elements to consider in the design phase for building great data visualizations. These elements should be incorporated while designing the dashboard and serve as a checklist once the dashboard design is complete. Using these elements help insist on high standards, especially when the target audience are business users. These five elements are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Data Context<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Visual Flow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Color<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Typography<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Appeal<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"This
    Source: Kizley Benedict, Tableau Public<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s look into each of the elements in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Data context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It is important to make sure that the data is meaningful and aggregated correctly. If \u201cvisualization\u201d is a motor vehicle, then \u201cdata\u201d is its engine! No matter how fancy the dashboard looks, it serves no purpose if the wrong data is displayed. Hence, display of correct numbers in the dashboard is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, consider an analysis of sales data in different countries. Some large countries may have higher overall sales than small countries. However, the sales percentage compared with the entire population of the country could be lower. In such scenarios consider average or weighted average for determining sales performance.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    Source: Phyllis Tay, Tableau Public<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Visual flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    According to research by the Nielsen Normal Group, humans read the pages in a \u201cZ\u201d pattern<\/a>. This pattern ensures a meaningful and logical sequence. It creates a perfect visual momentum which leads the users to transition from one visual to another in a smooth manner. If \u201cvisualization\u201d is a home, then \u201cflow\u201d is its floor plan! Hence having the metrics (KPI\u2019s) as tiles at the top, charts in the middle, and filters on the sides (or at the top above KPI\u2019s) establishes the right flow. This logical flow and consistency from one visual to the next, will ease viewer\u2019s entry into the dashboards. It will encourage them to spend more time on the dashboard, which is one of the important goals for the builder.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"This
    Source: Carlos Pacheco, Tableau Public<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Color<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Choosing the color choice purposefully is very important. The human brain reacts instantly to color presentation, and this creates an important first impression. If \u201cvisualization\u201d is a stage, then \u201ccolor\u201d is the spotlight! Color draws attention of the audience and focuses on the most important data. Hence this step has to be deliberate, consistent, and meaningful which helps users to form valuable conclusions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s look into some more tips on color usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n