5 Key Points to Keep in Mind When Developing Effective Dashboards
Tags: webdev, javascript, programming, productivity
Published: 2023-02-22 14:55:21

Hey everyone!
So I recently started on a new, pretty complicated dashboard for a new feature we're developing.
Without getting into the little details, this new dashboard seemed quite complicated at first, and I started thinking and experimenting with multiple frameworks and libraries (including writing things from scratch) in order to find a solution that will allow me to include all of the features and data needed for the feature to be pleasing to look at and easy to use.
What amazed me today, is everything our UI/UX consultants taught me today, and that is what I'm going to try and teach you in today's article.
So without further ado, let's get right into it:

When it comes to developing dashboards, simplicity is key. The primary goal of a dashboard is to convey important information quickly and clearly. However, this does not mean that your dashboard should be overly simplistic. A dashboard that is too basic may not provide enough information to be useful to your end-users. At the same time, a dashboard that is too complex can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Striking the right balance is crucial.

To achieve this balance, it's essential to keep the end-users in mind. What information do they need to make informed decisions, and how can this information be presented in a way that is easy to understand and navigate?

Keep it simple, but not too simple: A dashboard that is too simple may not provide enough information to be useful to your end-users. Instead, focus on the key metrics that will help the users make informed decisions. However, it's important to strike a balance and ensure that the dashboard is not overly complex, which can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.

Focus on the user: When developing a dashboard, it's essential to keep the end-users in mind. Consider their needs, what information they are looking for, and how they will interact with the dashboard. Using a mix of sentence structures and word choices can keep the text interesting and varied while still conveying the intended message.

Too many data points can be overwhelming: A dashboard that includes too many data points can be overwhelming for the users, making it difficult to focus on the essential information. Instead, focus on the most important metrics and make them easy to find and understand. Using examples and analogies can help illustrate concepts and make the data more accessible.

Avoid unnecessary visuals: The use of visuals in a dashboard can be effective in conveying information quickly and clearly. However, it's important to avoid unnecessary visuals or graphics that can be distracting and make it difficult for the users to focus on the data. Use visuals that enhance the data and make it easier to understand, rather than adding visuals just for the sake of aesthetics.

Keep it consistent: Consistency is key when developing a dashboard. Use consistent colors, fonts, and layouts to make the dashboard easy to read and understand. A mix of sentence structures, along with supporting evidence, can add depth and complexity to the content, making it more engaging and interesting for the users.

In conclusion, developing a dashboard that is simple, easy to navigate, and provides essential information is crucial. Striking the right balance between simplicity and complexity is essential, and keeping the end-users in mind is paramount. Using a mix of sentence structures and word choices, as well as supporting evidence and examples, can make the dashboard more engaging and interesting for the users, making it a valuable tool for decision-making.

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