How to Design a KPI Dashboard

Key performance indicators (KPI) can tell a business how it’s performing. Data analysts work together to consistently measure KPIs, see how they change in response to changing variables, and draw conclusions that force the company to take action in new ways. If implemented properly, the company’s data analysis strategy—rooted in studying KPIs—will be useful in helping the company grow.

To understand KPIs, most data analysts turn to the help of a KPI dashboard—but for a KPI dashboard to be effective, it has to be effectively designed.

What Makes a Great KPI Dashboard?

There are many examples of well-designed KPI dashboards, but what makes them great?

Ultimately, they have a few characteristics in common:

· Visual. Data is much easier to interpret when it’s in visual form, compared to when it’s purely in numerical form. That’s why most KPI dashboards lean heavily on the use of charts and graphs; they can visually depict numbers that would otherwise be difficult to abstractly analyze.

· Simple. Of course, understanding the importance of strong visuals sometimes leads designers to “over design.” They pack the dashboard with as many visual elements as possible. But there’s a problem with this; if there are too many competing elements in a single view, the user is going to be confused and/or overwhelmed. It’s usually better to keep things as simple as possible. That means only including the fields and sections that are necessary, and leaving plenty of space between them so they can be easily distinguished.

· Intuitive. Good dashboards are also highly intuitive—meaning it doesn’t take much time for someone to understand the purpose of the dashboard, and leverage it for what they need. Even an untrained or inexperienced data analyst should be able to, at a glance, draw some basic conclusions from looking at the dashboard. In some ways, this is the most elusive characteristic of effective KPI dashboards because different people learn in different ways—and what’s intuitive to one person may be nearly impenetrable to another.

· Alterable. Most data analysts like to tinker with variables and formats to get a clearer picture of what the data represent. That means your KPI dashboard needs some flexibility to it. Sometimes, this is primarily an issue with programming; the developer will need to add features that allow data analysts to change outputs and see graphs change in response, in real time. Other times, you’ll need to incorporate some customizability into your design.

· Aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, the KPI dashboard should also be aesthetically pleasing. Data analysts are going to spend much of their day studying the patterns of these charts and graphs, so they might as well be nice to look at. Obviously, this is one of the more subjective items on this list, but you should keep it in mind if you’re responsible for designing an effective KPI dashboard.

Tips for Designing a KPI Dashboard

If you’re tasked with designing a KPI dashboard, there are a few tips that can lead you to success:

· Understand your audience. Different types of people are going to want different things out of their dashboards, so it pays to know your audience. Are these the types of people who like clean minimalism with lots of white space, or are they the type to push to get as many features into a dashboard as possible? Do they want something simple and static, or something more flexible and dynamic?

· Get sample data. Take the time to learn what the KPIs for this organization are, and why they matter. When you have the context for the company’s data, you’ll be able to consider and look at your KPI dashboard through the eyes of a data analyst. That means you’ll come up with a much better approach.

· Mock up multiple core options. Next, you’ll be ready to create mockups of multiple versions of the dashboard. This is your chance to play with options; for example, you can come up with an open-version and a more compact version, contrasting the two approaches with your design.

· Tinker with colors and placement. After you’ve developed the core versions of the dashboard, take the time to experiment with colors, element placement, and other minor variables.

· Get feedback. Finally, get some feedback. Present your mockups to the people who will be using your KPI dashboard on a regular basis, and ask them what they think. They may provide you with a different direction, or ask you to tweak some things. Come up with a compromise that works for everyone.

With these tips, you can design a KPI dashboard that’s easy, approachable, and effective. You’ll play an important part in aiding the KPI analysis of your client (or employer), and your team of data analysts will be grateful.

 

  • Todd Sumamno

    Todd is a seasoned writer and journalist with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and design. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech and design communities. Todd's writing career began in the early 2000s, when he started contributing to various online publications and blogs. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to break down complex technical concepts into engaging and accessible language, making him a go-to writer for tech companies and startups looking to communicate their ideas to a wider audience. In recent years, Todd has focused on writing about the latest trends and innovations in the tech and design spaces. He has covered everything from artificial intelligence and machine learning to user experience (UX) design and human-computer interaction. His writing has appeared in a range of publications, including major tech websites, design magazines, and industry-specific journals. Todd's writing style is characterized by his ability to balance technical accuracy with engaging storytelling. He is known for his ability to distill complex ideas into clear and concise language, making him a favorite among readers who are looking for in-depth analysis and insight into the latest tech and design trends. When he's not writing, Todd can be found attending industry conferences and events, where he stays up-to-date on the latest developments in the tech and design worlds. He is also an avid user of new technologies and loves to experiment with new tools and platforms. Overall, Todd is a highly respected and experienced writer who is dedicated to helping readers understand the latest trends and innovations in the tech and design spaces. His writing is informative, engaging, and always insightful, making him a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in these rapidly evolving fields.

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