The Dos and Don'ts of Dashboard Design

Introduction

The Importance of Effective Dashboard Design

Imagine you're a captain of a ship (or Starship, if you prefer). The sea is vast, and there are endless directions you could sail. The dashboard is your compass, guiding you towards your destination. Replace that ship with your SaaS business and the sea with the enormous data pool you deal with daily. Bit of a lightbulb moment, isn't it?

Dashboards are crucial. They turn the jumbled mess of data into a comprehensible story.

They highlight what's essential and let you take actionable steps based on insights derived from the data. Simply put, they help you navigate and make informed decisions.

Overview of Best Practices for Dashboard Design

Let's get one thing straight. Designing a dashboard isn't about slapping together a few charts and tables. Nor is it about making it look pretty. It's about presenting data in a way that's easy to understand and act upon. Remember, the goal here is to make the user's life easier, not to give them a headache!

So, how do you ensure your dashboard design is spot on? You follow the golden rules, the dos and don'ts, and the best dashboard design practices. Stick around because that's exactly what we'll delve into next.

Dos: Best Practices to Enhance Dashboard Design

1. Understand the Purpose of the Dashboard

Picture this - you're setting off on a journey, but you've got no idea where you're going. Not the best idea, right? It's the same with the dashboard design.

Before you put pen to paper (or cursor to screen), you need to understand what your dashboard will be used for. Is it to monitor real-time data? Or is it to analyse historical trends? Are you trying to drive action or simply provide an overview? Each purpose will shape your design differently.

As research from Nielsen Norman Group suggests, the best dashboards answer an important question or a set of questions. So, ask yourself: What questions is the dashboard going to answer?

2. Identify the Target Audience

Next up, who's going to be using the dashboard? Is it the tech whizz in the IT department? The marketing guru? Or the CEO? Knowing your audience can make a world of difference.

Why, you ask? Because different users have different needs. A marketing manager might be interested in campaign performance, while the CEO might want a bird's eye view of business health. Make sure you know who you're designing for and what they need to see.

Take the time to research your users. Hold interviews, send surveys, and do whatever it takes to get inside their heads. And always keep their needs at the forefront of your design.

The first step in your journey is to understand the purpose of your dashboard and identify your target audience. Simple, right? But oh-so-important. Keep this in mind, and you're well on your way to designing a cracker of a dashboard.

3. Keep Visual Elements Clean and Uncluttered

Let's face it; nobody likes a messy dashboard. It's like walking into a room full of clutter. Where do you even start?

Your dashboard should be like a well-organised room—everything in its place and a place for everything.

Users who look at your dashboard should be able to quickly and easily find what they're looking for.

Avoid overloading your dashboard with too many charts or too much data. Keep it clean; keep it simple. As the design guru Dieter Rams once said, "Good design is as little design as possible." So make sure your dashboard works well by keeping it clean and uncluttered.

4. Use a Logical Layout and Hierarchy

It's not just about what you include in your dashboard but also how you arrange it. Your layout and hierarchy can make or break your design.

Start with the most critical information at the top or in the centre, and then work your way down or outwards. This helps users quickly scan and find what they're looking for. You see, our brains are wired to recognise patterns and structures. So, give your users a helping hand with a logical layout and hierarchy.

And remember, consistency is key. Keep similar elements together and use consistent styling. This not only makes your dashboard look good but also makes it easier to use.

5. Pick Charts and Graphs That Best Represent the Data

Data, data, everywhere. But how do you make sense of it all? That's where visualisation comes in.

Choosing the right charts and graphs can make a world of difference. They can turn a boring table of numbers into a compelling story. But remember, not all charts are created equal. Some are better at telling specific stories than others.

Got a lot of categories? A bar chart might be your best bet. Want to show a trend over time? Line graphs are the way to go. Need to compare parts of a whole? Say hello to pie charts. According to Tableau, the right chart depends on your data and the story you want to tell.

So, do your homework. Understand your data, and then choose the visualisation tool that best represents it.

6. Avoid Overwhelming Users with Too Many Visualisation Types

But hold your horses. While using all the fancy charts and graphs is tempting, resist the urge. Remember our golden rule - simplicity is key.

Using too many different types of visualisation can overwhelm users. It's like being at a party where everyone's speaking a foreign language. Confusing, right?

Stick to a few types of visualisation that work well for your data. And keep them consistent across your dashboard. This makes it easier for users to understand and draw insights from your data.

As the folks at Harvard Business Review put it, the goal of data visualisation is insight, not pictures. So, choose your visualisation tools wisely, and let your data do the talking.

Don'ts: Common Dashboard Design Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, it's time to switch gears. We've covered the do's; let's dive into the don'ts - common dashboard design mistakes should avoid.

1. Display an Excessive Number of Data Points

Imagine you're at a buffet. There's so much on offer; you don't know where to start. So, you end up piling your plate with everything. But by the time you're halfway through, you're full and can't take in any more.

That's what information overload feels like. Users can't process it all when there's too much data on a dashboard, and it's just too much.

So, be selective. Limit the number of data points you display. As the saying goes, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

According to Stephen Few, a renowned data visualisation expert, a dashboard should display only the information needed to achieve one or more objectives. So, keep it focused, keep it relevant.

2. Neglect Key Metrics

And speaking of relevance, let's talk about metrics. It's important to note that not all metrics hold the same value. Some are more important than others.

Identify the key metrics that matter most to your users. These are the metrics that align with their goals and objectives. These are the metrics that will help them make informed decisions.

Everything else is just noise. And in the words of Nathan Yau, a statistician and data visualisation expert, "Data isn't sacred. It's how you use it that matters." So, focus on the metrics that matter, and let go of the rest.

And there you have it - how to avoid information overload in your dashboard design. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll create a dashboard that's informative and easy to digest.

3. Use Irrelevant Design Elements

As I mentioned, design isn't just about making things look pretty. Each element on your dashboard should serve a purpose. Think of it as a stage play. Every prop, every piece of scenery has a role to play in telling the story.

The same goes for your dashboard. Don't add a chart or a graph just because it looks cool. Add it because it helps tell your data story. As usability expert Jakob Nielsen puts it, "Aesthetic designs are perceived as easier to use than less-aesthetic designs."

So, keep your design elements relevant and purposeful. Each one should contribute to the user's understanding of the data.

4. Clutter the interface with Elements That Distract Users from the Data

Just like a messy desk can distract you from your work, visual clutter can distract users from the data.

Too many colours, too many fonts, too many icons - they all create noise that can make your dashboard confusing and challenging to navigate.

Maintaining cleanliness and simplicity is crucial. As design legend Dieter Rams famously said, "Good design is as little design as possible."

Strip away the unnecessary. Focus on the essential. And let your data take centre stage.

And that's all for now on the topic of visual design. Stick to these principles, and you'll create a dashboard that's visually appealing and highly effective.

5. Design Without Considering Diverse Users in Mind

We're all different, aren't we? Different ages, different abilities, different backgrounds. So, why should we assume that all dashboard users are the same?

When designing your dashboard, consider the diverse needs of your users. Think about colour blindness, dyslexia, visual impairments, and more. Ensure your dashboard is easy for everyone to read, understand, and navigate.

In the words of Kat Holmes, a leader in inclusive design, "Inclusive design doesn't mean you're designing one thing for all people. You're designing diverse ways for everyone to participate in an experience with a sense of belonging."

So, create a sense of belonging for your users. Make your dashboard inclusive.

6. Disregard the Importance of Assistive Technologies

And speaking of inclusivity, let's talk about assistive technologies. These are tools that help people with disabilities interact with digital content. Screen readers, speech recognition software, and text-to-speech tools are just a few examples.

Ensure your dashboard is compatible with these technologies. Use proper markup and ARIA roles to aid screen readers. Provide alternative text for images. Make sure all functions can be accessed via a keyboard.

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, said, "The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."

So, make your dashboard universal. Make it accessible.

And that is the importance of accessibility in dashboard design. Remember these principles, and you'll create a dashboard that truly serves all its users.

Conclusion

We've covered a lot of ground in our exploration of effective dashboard design. Remember that design is an ongoing process. So keep learning, experimenting, and refining your dashboard design. Don't settle for mediocrity! Strive for excellence.

Remember, your dashboard is a tool to empower your users to make data-driven decisions. It will remain relevant, useful, and user-centric only by continuously improving and iterating on your design.