5 Steps to Creating Dashboards Users Adore

Introduction

Dashboards. We’ve all seen them, and let’s be real, we’ve all been overwhelmed by them at some point. The flashing graphs, the endless line charts, and those pie charts (mmm, pie) crammed with too many slices – it’s enough to make even the most data-savvy person’s head spin. 

But they don’t have to be confusing or intimidating. The goal should be to create interfaces that are not only user-friendly but also genuinely insightful and engaging. 

And guess what? There’s a new kid on the block that’s set to revolutionize dashboards as we know them today – conversational analytics. But more on that later. First, let’s dive into why most dashboards miss the mark and how we can fix them.

Why Most Dashboards Fail 

Traditional dashboards usually don’t serve their intended purpose because they focus too much on delivering a multitude of solutions without truly understanding the user’s core problems. This leads to a cluttered interface that confuses rather than clarifies. Users end up seeing endless data points and visualizations, struggling to find the insights they need. 

For one, this means we are not identifying the right questions that need to be answered.

Another major fault is complexity. Overcrowded line charts, busy pie charts, and other intricate graphics can confuse users. These visuals often lead to dashboard fatigue, where users feel bogged down and miss critical insights buried in the noise. 

What’s more, dashboards often lack a cohesive narrative. Instead of guiding users through a logical flow of information, they present disjointed widgets that fail to tell a compelling data story. Without context and a clear storyline, users can struggle to connect the dots and draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

Finally, many dashboards stop at reporting and analytics without offering actionable insights. Users are left with raw data and basic metrics, but no clear path to take further action. A great dashboard should not only present data but also provide the tools and insights needed for users to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

5 Ways to Build Better Dashboards

Start with the right questions

The foundation of a successful dashboard lies in understanding the user’s needs, questions, and doubts. Before diving into design, it’s important to step into their shoes. “Thinking backwards” is a concept that proves invaluable in this process. It involves beginning with the end goal and working backwards to design intuitive widgets and layouts. By following this path, you can create a dashboard that naturally guides users to the answers they seek.

Visual appeal: The eye-candy factor

When it comes to dashboards, looks matter. A visually appealing dashboard isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an engaging and intuitive user experience that encourages exploration and interaction.

First off, let’s talk about user interface (UI)/user experience (UX). A user-friendly layout is the backbone of a great dashboard. It ensures users can find the information they need quickly and without frustration.

To illustrate this point, take a look at the image of a poorly designed dashboard below. Notice the cluttered layout, unattractive color scheme, and dated font style. It’s not pleasant to look at, making it hard for users to extract any meaningful insights.

Now, look at this dashboard, designed with visual appeal in mind. In this image, you’ll see a clean and organized layout with a consistent color scheme that enhances readability. The use of white space helps to reduce visual clutter, and better fonts improve legibility. Each element is thoughtfully placed, ensuring a smooth flow of information that naturally guides the user.

In the second example, the visual appeal and user-friendly design elements work together to create an engaging experience. By focusing on visual appeal and UI/UX, you can turn a mundane dashboard into a powerful tool that users understand and love coming back to. 

Color coding and cognitive load reduction

Color is a powerful tool in design. Strategic use of color can transform a sea of data into an easy-to-understand story. For example, using red for declining metrics and green for those showing improvement instantly tells users where to focus their attention. This helps to reduce cognitive load – another crucial aspect of dashboard design. Techniques like smart filters and simplified visuals can make a world of difference. Smart filters allow users to focus on specific data points without getting carried away by irrelevant information. Simplified visuals, such as clear bar charts or pie charts with fewer segments, make it easier to interpret data at a glance.

Let’s look at an example of a poorly designed dashboard. The image below shows random colors and too many widgets that don’t convey any meaningful information. It’s hard to tell which metrics are important and which are not, making it a nightmare to navigate. And the green background makes it all even worse and more difficult to look at.

Now, check out a dashboard that uses color coding effectively and cleaner widgets to reduce the cognitive load for the user. In the image below, you’ll see a design where colors are used thoughtfully and with a sense of purpose. Different widgets are coupled with info required to make sense out of each segment.This simple color scheme and design elements help users quickly grasp key trends and areas that need focus.

Storytelling with data

Constructing a story with data is essential. By stitching widgets together into a cohesive narrative, users can follow the flow of information. Think of it as guiding someone through a book, where each chapter builds on the previous one, leading to a clear understanding of an overall message.

Here’s an example of a poorly designed dashboard, with a disjointed layout and random widgets that don’t connect, leaving users confused about the data’s significance.

Now, look at this well-designed dashboard that tells a story. In this image, each widget logically follows the previous one, providing clear, contextual insight into the data. This design helps users understand the relationships between different data points and draw meaningful conclusions from the dashboard.

By focusing on storytelling, you ensure your dashboards don’t just show a collection of data, but offer informative narratives that guide users to better understand and act on the information presented.

Transforming data into action with insights

Most dashboards focus solely on reporting and analytics, presenting data without helping users figure out just what to do with it. Consider a traditional dashboard image below, filled with static data. Users see the numbers but aren’t prompted to take any specific action.

This is where our Unified Analytics (UA) dashboard shines, elevating dashboards to an insights level. Ya, we have to brag.

Let’s look at a better dashboard below. This version very clearly lists down the competitor insights that will help understand the scenario. These insights will make it easy to draw conclusions and make decisions to finetune strategies for business success. 

Such an interaction transforms passive data viewing into an active exploration process. You can discover patterns and insights that static dashboards often miss. This approach ensures that your dashboard is not just a reporting tool but a dynamic guide, helping you translate data into meaningful actions.

The Future of Dashboards: The Rise of Conversational Analytics

Imagine a world where you no longer have to sift through endless widgets and charts, trying to decipher what the data is telling you. Instead, you simply ask your dashboard a question, and it provides an answer instantly. That’s the promise of conversational analytics, and it’s not just a buzzword – it’s the future we’re actively investing in.

At our company, we believe conversational analytics will become the new standard for dashboards. Why? Because it simplifies data interaction in ways that empower users to make faster, more informed decisions. Imagine you’re managing inventory for a retail store. Instead of manually filtering reports to see what products are running low, you simply ask, “Which products are likely to sell out in the next two weeks?” In seconds, the dashboard responds with specific insights, taking into account factors like current stock levels, sales trends, and seasonal demand. Now, you’re not just viewing data; you’re equipped with information that guides your next move, such as ordering more stock or adjusting your pricing strategy.

This kind of decision-centric interaction eliminates the complexity of traditional dashboards and makes data accessible to everyone, not just data analysts. As this technology advances, conversational analytics will redefine the way dashboards are built and used, offering users an intuitive and efficient way to interact with their data – one that leads directly to smarter decisions.

Conclusion

Creating dashboards that users truly benefit from is a challenging yet achievable goal. We’ve delved into the common pitfalls that often make dashboards more of a headache than a help. Now we know that by starting with the right questions, focusing on visual appeal, and using strategic storytelling, we can transform these essential tools into powerful assets.

To stay ahead, it’s equally vital to embrace innovations like conversational analytics. These advancements promise a future where dashboards are not just gorgeous to look at but also intuitively interactive, making data insights more accessible and actionable.

At Joveo, we’re leading the charge with our UA dashboard, designed to reduce cognitive load and boost user engagement. Ready to see it in action? Check out the UA dashboard and experience the next generation of smart, user-friendly analytics.

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