How to Present data in your Dashboard

Previously I wrote about the importance of using dashboards and being able to access a snapshot of your KPIs. You’ll easily be able to see how the business is performing against KPIs, helping you make informed business decisions.

The question is, ‘How do you present data in your dashboard?’ Once the business has identified what to include in a dashboard report, the next step is to design how to present the information in the report.

Keep in mind that dashboards should help the audience to understand the story within the data. To do that, you should:

• Consider your audience
• Select the right type of dashboard (Strategic, Operational, Analytical or Tactical)
• Keep it simple and visually clear
• Use the right type of chart(Line chart, bar chart, pie chart, etc)
• The key information should be displayed at the top of the screen
• Use colours to imply meaning of context (choose few colours and stay consistent, do not use too many different colours)
• Consistency in labelling and data formatting
• Try using interactive elements
• The importance of white space around the main elements(making the information easier to absorb)
• Optimisation for multiple devices (desktop, mobile, etc.)

 Data collection

A Dashboard Report is only useful and relevant if the key information is kept up to date. This can often be difficult to achieve depending on how much manual input is required. Finding ways to automate data collection can certainly help ensure that the information is updated regularly if not in real time.

Accuracy can be an issue if using spreadsheets to prepare dashboards. Manually re-entering data into a report can result in human data entry errors. If you do need to use information that is contained in spreadsheets, ensure that you are reviewing the formulas and other formatting on a regular basis and preform regular spot checks to identify any data entry errors.

If you have any questions or need assistance please do contact us