17. Titles, labels, currencies and units

Titles, labels, currencies and units

Titles and captions explain purpose and context; Currency, unit and format give each value a unique meaning.

Open Dashboard Designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can make dashboard titles, item titles, data labels, global currency, and units consistent and reader-focused.

Why this is crucial in the dashboard designer

A dashboard without context can be mathematically correct and still be misleading. Good labeling makes the period, filter, unit and key figure definition visible at a glance.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Dashboard title: Global title with visibility and targeting.
• Dashboard Item Caption: title line of an element; can be visible or hidden.
• Data Item Caption: Readable label of a bound field.
• Currency: Dashboard global currency setting.
• Number format: Decimals, percent, currency and scaling.
• Unit: Piece, hour, day, thousand, million or other technical unit.
• Legend / Axis Title: Explains series, dimensions and scales.
• Source/Updated Note: Optional context about data source and freshness.

Here's how to do it

1. Formulate the dashboard title as purpose plus time period.
2. Name each element according to what it says, not its diagram type.
3. Give metrics unique units and decimals.
4. Check global currency and different foreign currency values.
5. If necessary, add the data status, filter context or technical definition as text.

Exercise

Revise generic titles such as “Chart 1” to “Sales by Month - Current Year” and add unit and data status.

Check the result

• Title answers what, time period and, if applicable, target group.
• No element has a standard technical name.
• Units and scales are visible.
• Currency representation is consistent.
• Hidden captions do not prevent operation or export functions.

Typical errors and their solutions

• Element title “Sales”: Period, grouping or comparison is missing.
• Currency symbol fixed in the text: May become incorrect when currency changes.
• Hide caption for space reasons: May hide filter, drill, or export states.

Your result

Every value can be understood and clearly classified without a verbal explanation.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 09. KPI cards, gauges and geographical maps
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 12. Formatting, sorting and top N
3. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 16. Layout, groups and tabs

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