Excel dashboards require a different way of thinking about excel, the features that excel provides and the communication of data. The presentation of excel dashboards for performance reporting are based on key principles of visual design.
They require a different way of thinking about excel and the communication of data. They are resource intensive at the beginning as you are trying to establish the information requirements of your audiences. This can be at various levels such as strategic and operational. You also need to have a good data model - pivot tables are great for this job. There are many other principles you should keep in mind.
One page display
When designing your excel dashboard don't over do it with unnecessary visual elements as it can make it look too busy. We are trying to communicate the data quickly and without too much study or thought. Sometimes you will need to think differently about what the message is and how to communicate it. Existing performance indicators will be a start. Don't include every bit of data in a dashboard. The information should show progress towards key objectives and priorities. The other point here is that if something is out with your line of sight, then it can't be viewed quickly or possibly missed altogether. When you print your dashboard, it should also fit to a single page.
Not complicated
Also, excel dashboards should signal when more action is required through the use of visual attributes. When developing an excel dashboard, it is advisable to start with a mock-up of the performance information that is required and work backwards to the point where data is gathered. An excel dashboard should help to visually identify trends and patterns quickly without confusion. In other words, if it doesn't communicate any information about the data then don't display it. Examples of this could be logos, pictures and 3D charts.
Add interactivity
The position of your excel dashboard components will vary in importance to your reader. Usually, the upper-left and middle-left of a page generally gathers more attention than the bottom right. It is a bit like a web page.
They require a different way of thinking about excel and the communication of data. They are resource intensive at the beginning as you are trying to establish the information requirements of your audiences. This can be at various levels such as strategic and operational. You also need to have a good data model - pivot tables are great for this job. There are many other principles you should keep in mind.
One page display
When designing your excel dashboard don't over do it with unnecessary visual elements as it can make it look too busy. We are trying to communicate the data quickly and without too much study or thought. Sometimes you will need to think differently about what the message is and how to communicate it. Existing performance indicators will be a start. Don't include every bit of data in a dashboard. The information should show progress towards key objectives and priorities. The other point here is that if something is out with your line of sight, then it can't be viewed quickly or possibly missed altogether. When you print your dashboard, it should also fit to a single page.
Not complicated
Also, excel dashboards should signal when more action is required through the use of visual attributes. When developing an excel dashboard, it is advisable to start with a mock-up of the performance information that is required and work backwards to the point where data is gathered. An excel dashboard should help to visually identify trends and patterns quickly without confusion. In other words, if it doesn't communicate any information about the data then don't display it. Examples of this could be logos, pictures and 3D charts.
Add interactivity
The position of your excel dashboard components will vary in importance to your reader. Usually, the upper-left and middle-left of a page generally gathers more attention than the bottom right. It is a bit like a web page.
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Find out about the latest guide and examples about developing your own excel dashboard. Read more about creating an executive dashboard.
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