Skip to main content

Module 6: Dashboard Design

Dashboard Design and Layout

Objective:​

  • Teach participants best practices for designing effective dashboards in Tableau
  • Guide participants in creating visually appealing and user-friendly dashboards
  • Provide hands-on experience in arranging and formatting dashboard components
  • Help participants understand the importance of storytelling and narrative in dashboard design

6.1 Principles of Dashboard Design​

  • Introduction to the key principles of effective dashboard design
  • Understanding the target audience and their needs
  • Designing for clarity, simplicity, and usability

Exercise 6.1: Evaluating Dashboard Designs​

  • Participants analyze and evaluate pre-selected dashboard designs based on the principles discussed.
  • Participants identify strengths and weaknesses in each design and provide suggestions for improvement.

6.2 Planning and Organizing Dashboards​

  • Defining the purpose and goals of the dashboard
  • Identifying key metrics and KPIs to highlight
  • Structuring the layout and flow of the dashboard

Exercise 6.2: Planning a Dashboard Layout​

  • Participants are given a scenario and data requirements for a dashboard.
  • Participants plan and sketch the layout of the dashboard based on the provided information.

6.3 Dashboard Components and Interactivity​

  • Choosing appropriate visualizations for the dashboard
  • Incorporating filters, parameters, and actions for interactivity
  • Utilizing containers and layout grids for organization

Exercise 6.3: Building Interactive Dashboards​

  • Participants use Tableau to build a dashboard based on their planned layout.
  • Participants add appropriate visualizations, filters, parameters, and interactivity to create an engaging and interactive dashboard.

6.4 Formatting and Styling Dashboards​

  • Applying consistent formatting and color schemes
  • Customizing fonts, labels, and tooltips
  • Utilizing images, shapes, and background elements

Exercise 6.4: Formatting and Styling Dashboards​

  • Participants refine their previously created dashboard by applying formatting and styling techniques.
  • Participants use Tableau's formatting options to enhance the visual appeal and cohesiveness of the dashboard.

6.5 Storytelling and Narrative in Dashboards​

  • Importance of storytelling in data visualization
  • Creating a narrative flow within the dashboard
  • Incorporating annotations and text elements to guide the user

Exercise 6.5: Adding Storytelling Elements​

  • Participants enhance their existing dashboard by adding storytelling elements such as annotations, text boxes, and a narrative flow
  • Participants create a logical sequence of visualizations that guides the user through the story of the data.