Data Visualization and Dashboards

5.

Principles of Effective Dashboard Design

5.1.

Layout and Composition

5.1.1.

Grid-Based Layouts

5.1.1.1.

Consistent Alignment

5.1.1.2.

5.1.1.3.

Responsive Grids

5.1.2.

Visual Hierarchy

5.1.2.1.

Emphasizing Key Metrics

5.1.2.2.

De-Emphasizing Secondary Data

5.1.2.3.

Size and Position Hierarchy

5.1.3.

Reading Patterns

5.1.3.1.

Z-Pattern Reading

5.1.3.2.

F-Pattern Reading

5.1.3.3.

Placement of Important Elements

5.1.4.

Proximity and Grouping

5.1.4.1.

Logical Grouping

5.1.4.2.

Reducing Visual Clutter

5.1.4.3.

Related Item Clustering

5.1.5.

Use of White Space

5.1.5.1.

Improving Readability

5.1.5.2.

Preventing Overcrowding

5.1.5.3.

5.1.6.

Progressive Disclosure

5.1.6.1.

Information Layering

5.1.6.2.

Drill-Down Hierarchies

5.2.

Color Theory in Dashboards

5.2.1.

Choosing a Color Palette

5.2.1.1.

Brand Alignment

5.2.1.2.

Limiting Color Use

5.2.1.3.

5.2.2.

Sequential Palettes

5.2.2.1.

Ordered Data Representation

5.2.2.2.

Gradient Applications

5.2.3.

Diverging Palettes

5.2.3.1.

Highlighting Deviations

5.2.3.2.

Positive-Negative Distinctions

5.2.4.

Categorical Palettes

5.2.4.1.

Distinguishing Categories

5.2.4.2.

Maximum Distinguishable Colors

5.2.5.

Using Color for Emphasis and Alerting

5.2.5.1.

Highlighting Critical Values

5.2.5.2.

5.2.5.3.

Status Indicators

5.2.6.

Accessibility and Color Blindness

5.2.6.1.

Color Blind Safe Palettes

5.2.6.2.

Testing for Accessibility

5.2.6.3.

Alternative Encoding Methods

5.2.7.

Cultural Color Considerations

5.2.7.1.

Regional Color Meanings

5.2.7.2.

International Audiences

5.3.

Typography for Clarity

5.3.1.

5.3.1.1.

Serif vs Sans-serif

5.3.1.2.

Readability Considerations

5.3.1.3.

Consistency Across Dashboard

5.3.2.

Font Size and Hierarchy

5.3.2.1.

5.3.2.2.

Subtitle Sizing

5.3.2.3.

Body Text Sizing

5.3.2.4.

Responsive Typography

5.3.3.

Readability and Legibility

5.3.3.1.

Contrast Ratios

5.3.3.2.

Avoiding Decorative Fonts

5.3.3.3.

Line Height and Spacing

5.3.4.

5.3.4.1.

5.3.4.2.

Center Alignment

5.3.4.3.

Right Alignment for Numbers

5.4.

Context and Storytelling

5.4.1.

Providing Clear Titles and Subtitles

5.4.1.1.

Descriptive Titles

5.4.1.2.

Subtitle Explanations

5.4.1.3.

Action-Oriented Headlines

5.4.2.

Using Annotations to Highlight Insights

5.4.2.1.

5.4.2.2.

Data Highlights

5.4.2.3.

Explanatory Notes

5.4.3.

Structuring for Narrative Flow

5.4.3.1.

Logical Sequence

5.4.3.2.

5.4.3.3.

Information Flow

5.4.4.

Guiding User Attention

5.4.4.1.

5.4.4.2.

Progressive Disclosure

5.4.4.3.

5.4.5.

Providing Context

5.4.5.1.

Benchmarks and Targets

5.4.5.2.

Historical Comparisons

5.4.5.3.

Industry Standards

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6. Interactivity and User Experience