The Ten Commandments of Designing an Information Dashboard

So your CEO read about data-driven decisions as the in-thing and realized that the information dashboard is the Holy Grail he was looking for to improve the engagement quotient of his product. You have been given the mandate to create that masterpiece. But hey, wait Let’s first understand dashboard designing, why it matters, and several commandments for dashboard design.

Why is Dashboard Design Important?

Dashboard is designed to present complex data in an easy-to-understand format for users. Good dashboard design is crucial for effective communication and decision-making.

Key Characteristics of a Usable Dashboard:

Clear

A well-designed dashboard clearly displays the necessary information. When a user views the dashboard, they should understand its purpose within the first five seconds. There should be no need to spend extra time deciphering what the dashboard is conveying.

Meaningful

A usable dashboard provides meaningful information that effectively communicates the designer’s intent. The visuals should tell a story that is easily understandable to the user, highlighting key insights and trends.

Consistent

An excellent dashboard design maintains a consistent layout, organization, and content format. Consistency ensures that users can quickly and efficiently navigate and interpret the information presented.

Simple

The primary purpose of a dashboard is to present complex information simply. If the visual representation of data does not simplify the understanding process, the dashboard design is in trouble. Simplicity enhances usability and ensures that the information is accessible to all users.

Commandments for Designing Dashboard

Before you set on your expedition, here are our ten commandments of design for an information dashboard that will help you sail through:

Respect and Understand Thy User’s Needs

Thou shalt have no other gods before thy user. Respect and understand his needs. In the land of dashboards, the user reigns supreme. Every design decision should be centered around creating an intuitive and delightful user experience.

Design Should Be Simple, Clear, and Precise

Thou shalt not make any complicated image. Thou design should be simple, clear, and precise. Complexity is the enemy of understanding; if your users need a Ph.D. to decipher your charts, you’ve already lost them. According to dashboard design principles, it should be a place of clarity, not confusion, guiding users effortlessly toward the insights they seek.

The dashboard Has a Purpose to Fulfill

Thou shalt not take the name of the dashboard in vain. Never forget that thy dashboard has a purpose to fulfill. Every chart and every graph should have a reason for being there. A dashboard without a purpose is like a ship without a destination – adrift and aimless.

Deadlines Are Essential to Project Success

Remember the Deadline day to keep it holy. While creativity knows no bounds, your project does. Prioritize features and designs, ensuring that the most crucial elements are delivered on time. Remember, a timely dashboard is a useful one and it is justified on the basis of dashboard design principles.

Provide Accurate Data and Clear Labels

Honour thy data. Thou shalt always provide accurate data and specify the units of measurement, chart captions and data labels. Misleading visuals are the enemy of good design. Treat your data with the respect it deserves; it’s the lifeblood of your dashboard. Trust is built on the foundation of accuracy and integrity.

Choose and Use Colors Wisely

Thou shalt not murder your design with overuse of colors. Thou shalt use and choose colors wisely. A kaleidoscope might be beautiful, but it doesn’t belong on your dashboard. Colors should guide, not confuse. Instead of a cluttered dashboard, choose a palette that enhances understanding, where every shade serves a specific purpose. Let colors be the visual language of your dashboard, speaking subtly yet powerfully to users.

Know the Difference Between Chart Types

Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt know the difference between the column, the line and the pie chart. Not all charts are created equal. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Know your charts like you know your tools, and choose the right one for the job at hand. A pie chart for trend analysis? Nay! A column chart for proportions? Forsooth! Choose wisely, lest your message be lost in a sea of confusion. Let each chart type sing its own song, harmonizing with the data it represents, crafting a melody of understanding that resonates with your audience.

Implement Alerts and Security Features

Thou shalt not steal or abet in stealing. Thou shalt have provisions to alert thy user well in time. Data theft is a serious concern. Implement security measures that protect user information, ensuring that data breaches remain a tale of the past. Let your dashboard design be a fortress of trust. Integrate features that protect and reassure, such as real-time alerts, multi-layer security, and encrypted data transfers.

Provide Context and Drill-down Options

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy data. Thou shalt provide thy user the right context to his data and options to drill down if he so desires. Data without context is meaningless. Give users the full picture, allowing them to dive deeper into the layers of information and uncover hidden truths. Context is the lens through which data becomes meaningful, transforming numbers into narratives. According to dashboard design best practices, offer users the tools they need to explore, analyze, and understand the full story behind the data. Empower them with interactive features, dynamic filters, and drill-down options, granting them the freedom to explore insights at their own pace.

Place Related Metrics Close Together

Thou shalt not covet to transgress the limitations of thy user’s short-term memory. Thou shalt place all related metrics close to one another for easy analysis. Keep related data points together, enabling users to see connections and insights without the cognitive load of memory gymnastics. A dashboard should be a place of discovery, not a memory test. Organize your information

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing an effective information dashboard is both an art and a science, guided by principles prioritizing user experience and clarity. By adhering to the ten commandments outlined, you ensure that your dashboard design not only meets but exceeds user expectations.

Remember, the goal is to create a tool that authorizes users to make informed decisions with ease and confidence. Embrace simplicity, purpose, and precision; your dashboard will be a beacon of effective data communication. As you embark on this design journey, let these commandments be your guiding principles, leading you to craft a dashboard that truly transforms data into actionable insights.

What should I read next?

Did you know that when Mint.com was launched, it faced serious issues of mistrust from its users, so much so that even investors said ‘no’ to it? Download our latest white paper to know how software products like Mint, Flipboard and Airbnb used design to create their success stories.

Have your own commandments of designing an information dashboard? Share them in the comment section below.