Most dashboards fail because they show everything available instead of answering one clear question. Start from the decision.
A dashboard is not a collection of charts. It is a short answer to a question someone asks repeatedly. If you cannot write that question in one sentence, the dashboard will grow until nobody opens it.
Work backwards from the decision
Ask who reads it, what they decide after reading it, and how often. A sales head deciding weekly focus needs trend and gap-to-target. An operations lead needs exceptions, not averages.
Structure that works
- Top row: three to five headline numbers with a comparison, not bare values.
- Middle: one trend view and one breakdown view.
- Bottom: the exception list — the rows that need action.
- One consistent filter set, placed where it is obviously a control.
Choices that keep it readable
- Use a small, consistent colour set and reserve one colour for attention.
- Label directly on the chart rather than relying on legends.
- Keep number formats consistent, including units and decimals.
- Separate the data sheet, the calculation sheet and the dashboard sheet.
Dashboard design and practice projects are part of the Data Analytics module in the TRAINTECH memberships.