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Dashboard Design in Power BI

February 2023
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A well-designed dashboard makes it easier for the audience to interpret, and make it more likely that it will be used. In short, good design increases the impact of your dashboards. In this live training, you'll get hands-on experience with the principles of dashboard design to apply to your own dashboards.

The dataset that will be used in the live training is the Superstore Sales dataset, which contains information related to the sales performance of a fictional retail company over a four-year period.

Learning by doing is encouraged, so to follow along on your own machine, please download and install Power BI Desktop before this session. If you need help, read the Power BI Install Guide.

Resources:

Related courses:

Courses within the track related to visualizations and report design will be referenced or utilized for learnings

Key Takeaways:

  • The importance of your audience when deciding on what analysis to pick for your dashboard

  • Bringing your story to life! Data storytelling is key when designing dashboards

  • How to utilize the different design and format features available in Power BI to make your dashboards pop!

Summary

This session delves into the practical and scientific side of dashboard design using Power BI. It focuses on understanding the needs of your audience, the importance of storytelling over data overload, and the strategic use of design elements like color and layout. Practical techniques for designing dashboards using a retail dataset from a US-based superstore are demonstrated, with a focus on creating dashboards that are not only visually appealing but also functional. The session also sheds light on Power BI's features for sharing and collaboration via the Power BI Service.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand your audience and cater the dashboard to their needs and viewing contexts.
  • Emphasize storytelling and avoid overloading the audience with unnecessary data.
  • Use color and layout strategically to enhance the dashboard's communication impact.
  • Power BI's service features allow for effective sharing and collaboration.
  • Interactive elements like slicers can make dashboards more engaging for users familiar with Power BI.

Deep Dives

Understanding Your Audience

The effectiveness of a dashboard is largely dependent on its alignment with the audience's needs and expectations. Understanding the audience involves knowing who they are and how they will interact with the dashboard. The type of device the dashboard will be viewed on, such as a desktop, mobile, or laptop, influences the design significantly. The aim is to ensure that the dashboard communicates clearly and efficiently, prompting the desired actions without unnecessary complexity.

Storytelling Over Analysis

Dashboards shoul ...
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d prioritize storytelling over extensive analysis. The main goal is to convey insights quickly and clearly to the audience. This involves a careful selection of visual elements that emphasize key data points without cluttering the interface. A well-designed dashboard should provoke an emotional response, whether it's satisfaction from positive results or concern from areas needing improvement. By focusing on the story, dashboards become powerful tools for driving action and making informed decisions.

Design Principles: Less is More

The design principle of 'less is more' highlights the need for simplicity and clarity in dashboard design. This involves striking a balance between providing enough information to be useful and avoiding overloading the viewer. The use of color, layout, and visual hierarchy plays a significant role in guiding the viewer's attention and ensuring the dashboard is both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

Interactive Dashboards and Power BI Features

Power BI provides features for creating interactive dashboards that engage users and facilitate deeper insights. Interactive elements such as slicers allow users to filter data dynamically, making the dashboard a more interactive experience. This is particularly useful for audiences familiar with Power BI, who can explore the data in more detail. Moreover, Power BI's service features enable the sharing and collaboration of reports, making it a useful tool for teams and organizations.

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