How to get effective dashboards for end users? Which approach to take in the design phase?
Related to the previous post:
In this post we will analyze the process of creating a dashboard from the point of view of data representation in order to obtain the maximum possible effectiveness and we will address it by focusing on some fundamental steps to follow.
The process of creating a dashboard can be broken down into 6 basic steps:
- Define your goals
- Choose the right metrics
- Present data correctly
- Eliminate clutter and noise
- Use layout to focus attention
- Tell a story with data
Through these steps we can get a dashboard as close as possible to the needs of the end user and capable of extracting the maximum possible value from the data present.
Now let’s go deeper into each step.
- DEFINE YOUR GOALS
Define who will be the end-users of the dashboards: technical users have different needs and points of view from administrative or managerial users
Define what are the key business goals and objectives: strategic, operational, analytical and tactical dashboards needs different approach
[Suggested reading https://www.datapine.com/blog/strategic-operational-analytical-tactical-dashboards/]
Define what are the most important question they need to answer: focus on the responses that dashboards must return
Define how frequently will the dashboards be reviewed: also in this case, depending on the use and purpose of the dashboard, it is necessary to define the data update frequency.
2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT METRICS
Choose which metrics accurately measure each business goal: after defining the goals, the next step is to establish the metrics to achieve those goals. Where by metric we mean, for example, parameters such as granularity, consistency and subdivision of the data.
Choose what level of detail is appropriate for each metrics: the definition of the dimensions and aspects of subdivision, categorization and classification of the chosen metrics.
3. PRESENT DATA CORRECTLY
Use charts and visuals suited to type of data you are working with: use the bar chart, scatter chart or line chart depending on the purpose of the visualization: comparison, relationship, composition, distribution.
Add filter and interactivity to allow users to explore on their own, answer new questions and doscover fresh insight: the aim is to create a base of information and views that the user can expand according to their needs.
4. ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND NOISE
Cut anything that takes up space but doesn’t add value: remove all elements that do not bring value to the representation. Remove misalignments or inconsistencies in positioning
Clarity always trumps aesthetics: concessions to aesthetics must be aimed at clarifying the information represented. Colors, grid, icons, backgrounds, and other graphics must have a purpose.
5. USE LAYOUT TO FOCUS ATTENTION
Use pre-attentive attributes like size, color and position to highlight key data points or specific patterns: pre-attentive processing is the subconscious accumulation of information from the environment. All available information is pre-attentively processed. Then, the brain filters and processes what is important. Information that has the highest salience (a stimulus that stands out the most) or relevance to what a person is thinking about is selected for further and more complete analysis by conscious (attentive) processing. Understanding how pre-attentive processing works is useful in advertising, in education, and for prediction of cognitive ability.
[Source Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-attentive_processing]
Use Gestalt principles like proximity, enclosure and connection to group related visual elements: Gestalt Principles are principles/laws of human perception that describe how humans group similar elements, recognize patterns and simplify complex images when we perceive objects. Designers use the principles to organize content on websites and other interfaces so it is aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand.
[Source Interaction-Design.org https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/gestalt-principles]
Consider common reading patterns (like Z or F patterns) when designing your dashboard layout: Z-Pattern and F-Pattern is about screen reading and describes the most common user eye-scanning patterns when it comes to blocks of content.
[Source Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_reading]
6. TELL A STORY WITH DATA
Human beings aren’t inspired by numbers, chart or graph. We’re inspired by stories: a dashboard must be as much as possible a combination of numbers and supporting qualitative information. It depends once again on the purpose of this representation
Using descriptive titles and data labels can be great way to create narratives within your dashboard: titles, fonts, labels, legends and icons are elements that can help tell a story about the data.
CONCLUSION:
With this post I hope I have given useful elements to understand the process of building a dashboard.
Any feedback on the subject is welcome.
