Why Dashboard Gauges Aren’t as Bad as You Think
Rethinking the darling of the Executive Suite
Dashboard gauges were once the darling of the executive suite. Some designer took inspiration from a car dashboard and its gauges. A gauge is useful because it tells us how fast we are going or how much gas is in the tank. My newer model dashboard still has gauges but it also states how many miles until empty. That information is more useful than knowing how much gas is in the tank. It saves me the mental calculation because I understand miles and where I am going.
You do not see gauges as much these days. Visualization advisors complain the gauge uses too much space for the information given. Some even compare the gauge to the much disparaged pie chart. Eek, yes! Haters gonna hate.
But let’s open our minds. Just like with pie charts — do not toss gauges out of your designer toolbox! Instead, understand and use them when needed. I concede you may find limited circumstances for them. I also know that all toolboxes have items you do not use often. You do not throw out those tools.
Understanding the Dashboard Gauge Elements
There are several gauges available from SAS in their various applications. These gauges are in five categories: Bullet, Thermostat, Slider…
