06. Select dashboard elements specifically

Select dashboard elements specifically

Each element type answers a different question: map condenses, diagram shows development, grid provides details and filter elements control the view.

Open Dashboard Designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can select the appropriate dashboard element type for comparison, history, ranking, composition, detail, geographic distribution, and filtering.

Why this is crucial in the dashboard designer

Proper visualization shortens thinking time. The wrong one forces readers to decipher values ​​or even leads them to a wrong conclusion.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Card: One or more central key figures with comparison and delta.
• Gauge: Value relative to target, minimum or maximum.
• Chart/Scatter Chart: History, comparison, distribution or connection.
• Pie: Simple proportions of a few categories; unsuitable for many categories.
• Grid: Detailed data, sortable columns and conditional highlighting.
• Pivot: Multidimensional compression with rows, columns and key figures.
• Tree map: Hierarchical proportions over area size.
• Map: Geographical distribution with reliable location or geodata.
• Filter element: Combo Box, List Box, Tree View or Date Filter for selection.
• Text/Image: Context, definition, source, logo or instructions.

Here's how to do it

1. Determine whether readers need a single value, trend, comparison, share, context, or detailed evidence.
2. Choose the simplest matching element type.
3. Only bind the necessary dimensions and metrics.
4. Check labeling, sorting and interaction.
5. Compare the statement with an alternative representation and choose the faster one.

Exercise

Display the same key figure as a card, bar chart and grid. Decide which representation is suitable for management, technical examination and detailed analysis.

Check the result

• The visualization fits the reader's question.
• Axes, units and categories are clear.
• Elements don't just repeat the same statement.
• Colors and surfaces do not distort the proportions.

Typical errors and their solutions

• Pie chart with many segments: Use a sorted bar chart.
• Gauge without target value: A measuring instrument without a reference hardly provides any orientation.
• Cards only: Individual values show neither cause nor progression.

Your result

Each element has a clear task and makes the desired insight visible more quickly.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 07. Diagrams and time series
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 08. Grid and Pivot
3. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 09. KPI cards, gauges and geographical maps
4. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 10. Filter elements and time periods

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