October 19, 20162 min read

Top 10 Pitfalls in Dashboard Design

In his book 'Information Dashboard Design', Stephen Few describes the most common pitfalls when designing a dashboard. In this blog we'll list the most important ones for you.

#1: Exceeding the boundary of a single screen

A dashboard should fit on a single screen. If the user has to scroll to see all the information, it's no longer a dashboard, but a report. Make sure all the important information is visible at a glance.

#2: No context for the data

Numbers without context are meaningless. Always provide a reference point, such as a target, a previous period, or an average, so the user can interpret the data correctly.

#3: Showing too much detail or precision

A dashboard is meant to give an overview, not to show every possible detail. Round numbers where possible and only show the level of detail that is relevant for decision-making.

#4: Choosing the right metric

Not every metric is equally useful. Choose metrics that are actually meaningful for the goal of the dashboard, and avoid vanity metrics that look good but don't drive decisions.

#5: Choosing the right chart

Every type of data has a chart type that suits it best. Choosing the wrong chart type can distort or obscure the message of the data. Read more tips here...

#6: Unnecessary variety

Using too many different chart types, colors, and fonts on a single dashboard makes it harder to read. Keep the design consistent and simple.

#7: Inaccurate quantitative data

A chart should represent the underlying data accurately. A misleading axis or scale can create a false impression of the data.

#8: Arranging information incorrectly

The placement of information on a dashboard matters. Put the most important information where the eye naturally lands first, usually the top left.

#9: Avoid useless formatting

Decorative elements such as 3D effects, shadows, and unnecessary gridlines distract from the actual data. Keep the design clean and functional.

#10: Use of color

Color should be used purposefully, for example to highlight an exception or a category, not just to make the dashboard look nice. Too many colors make a dashboard harder to interpret.

According to Stephen Few, good dashboard design is about using human intelligence and visual communication as effectively as possible to convey information clearly and quickly.