Clarify the purpose
An executive dashboard is not a data warehouse. Its job is to help leadership understand current performance and notice where attention may be required.
Start by agreeing on the handful of questions the dashboard should answer, then design around those questions.
Design for hierarchy
The most important information should be the easiest to find. A clear visual hierarchy guides the eye from headline metrics to supporting detail.
- Lead with a small set of headline indicators
- Group related metrics so context is easy to build
- Use consistent color meaning throughout
- Provide detail through drill-downs rather than clutter
Practice restraint
It is tempting to add “one more chart,” but every element competes for attention. A focused dashboard communicates more than a crowded one.
Key takeaways
- Design around the questions leadership needs answered.
- Establish a clear visual hierarchy from headline to detail.
- Restraint improves comprehension.
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