Charts in a Dashboard

1. Dashboard purpose: By understanding the purpose of the graph, we can select the appropriate type of graph that effectively visualizes the data and communicates the message we want to convey. The purpose of the dashboard is to help us determine which types of graphs are most appropriate.

• What is the main purpose of the dashboard? 

• Is it to provide an overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) or to identify trends and patterns? Etc.

2. Data types: Understanding data types is crucial for choosing the right visualization technique that highlights patterns, trends, and outliers accurately. Depending on the data types, we may need to use different types of graphs to visualize the information effectively.

•  What types of data will be included in the dashboard? 

• Will it be numerical or categorical? 

• Continuous or discrete?

3. User audience: Depending on the audience, we may need simpler or more complex graphs to communicate information. The graph needs to be understandable by the intended audience, and the visual representation should be accessible to them.

• Who will be the primary dashboard users? 

• Are they executives, managers, or front-line employees?

4. Graph interactivity: Depending on the level of interactivity, we may need more dynamic and flexible graph types. Thinking about interactivity enables users to interact with the data, which provides a more engaging experience. This allows them to gain more insight into the data.

• Will the dashboard be interactive? 

• Can users drill down into specific data points or change the time period displayed?

5. Dashboard design: Designing the dashboard and the graphs in a consistent and visually appealing way ensures easy reading, and reduces confusion and misunderstanding. That is why the graph types and styles should be consistent with the overall dashboard design.

• What is the overall dashboard design? 

• Are there any branding or style guidelines to follow?