A dashboard is also known as a control panel or console.
In computing, it refers to a set of graphical elements used to measure, monitor or act on data.
What is a dashboard?
Anyone running a business knows how valuable a dashboard is.
It’s a fundamental tool in the world of digital business, because it helps you plan organizational strategies and make important decisions, starting from simple data verified over a set period of time.
Let’s take a closer look.
So what exactly is a dashboard, and what is it for?
Data visualization is a language. It’s a means of conveying an opinion. Kim Rees
In practice, it’s a visual representation of our work.
It’s a screen made up of widgets:
tables, charts or indicators that you can check in real time. They let you view and manage information about one or more business processes.
For example: KPIs, reports, marketing campaigns, SEO activities and budgets.
How to create an effective dashboard
So you want to build a functional dashboard?
Great. Remember that it needs to be easy to use, but also pleasing to the eye.
With that said, it’s time to take action.
Here are a few tips to help you during the design phase.
- Keep it simple Favor default configurations over complex customizations.
- Use few filters. Usually no more than 3 per view.
- Avoid ambiguity It can lead to misreading and misjudging the data. This is especially true for dates: write them out in full.
For everything else, it just takes some effort, plus a few tutorials or guides.
The benefits
The purpose of a good dashboard is clear: to check how your business is doing, quickly and easily.
But there are many other benefits too.
A dashboard lets you:
- Group, display and interact with the data that matters.
- Absorb more information in less time.
- Spot problems or anomalies right away.
- Optimize business performance.
- Improve coordination between the people involved, whether employees, work teams or departments.
There’s also a motivational factor to consider.
What does that mean?
Simply that you can show everyone the goals you share,
laying the groundwork for a stronger sense of cohesion and team spirit.