Most dashboards are opened twice and then forgotten. The ones that last show a few numbers that someone acts on every week.

Start with decisions

For each number, ask what decision it helps with and who makes it. If nobody can answer, leave the number out.

Keep the screen calm

Clarity beats quantity.

  • Five to seven numbers on the first screen
  • The most important one largest and top left
  • Colour used only to show something needs attention
  • Labels in plain words, with the time period stated

Keep it trusted

Show when the data was last updated and where it comes from. One wrong number that nobody explains can end trust in the whole dashboard.