Tips : To design your responsive dashboard as a beginner

Kabir December 12, 2023
Design Your Dashboard
Design Your Dashboard

Designing a responsive dashboard involves careful consideration of user experience and ensuring that the dashboard adapts seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes. Here are steps to design a responsive dashboard:

#Define Purpose and Audience:

  • Clearly define the purpose of your dashboard.
  • Identify the target audience and their needs.

#Content and Data Analysis:

  • List the key data points and metrics that need to be displayed.
  • Prioritize information based on user needs.
  • Consider the hierarchy of data and content.

#Wireframe and Layout:

  • Create wireframes to sketch out the basic layout and structure.
  • Plan for a grid-based layout that can adapt to different screen sizes.
  • Define the placement of key elements, such as charts, tables, and navigation.

#Responsive Design Principles:

  • Embrace responsive design principles like flexible grids and media queries.
  • Ensure a fluid layout that adjusts based on screen width.
  • Use relative units (percentages) instead of fixed units (pixels) for elements.

#Mobile-First Approach:

  • Start designing for mobile devices and then scale up to larger screens.
  • Prioritize essential information for mobile users.
  • Optimize touch interactions for mobile devices.

#Consistent Branding and Styling:

  • Maintain a consistent color scheme and styling throughout the dashboard.
  • Use a readable font size and ensure good contrast for text and background.

#Interactive Elements:

  • Design interactive elements, such as dropdowns, buttons, and filters, to work seamlessly on various devices.
  • Consider touch-friendly interactions for mobile users.

#Prioritize Information:

  • Prioritize critical information for quick visibility.
  • Use progressive disclosure to reveal more details as needed.

#Testing Across Devices:

  • Test the dashboard on various devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
  • Use browser developer tools and emulators for testing.

#Performance Optimization:

  • Optimize images and other assets for faster loading times.
  • Minimize the use of large media files.
  • Consider lazy loading for non-essential content.

#Scalability:

  • Design the dashboard to scale as additional features or data are added.
  • Consider the long-term scalability of the dashboard.

#Feedback and Iteration:

  • Gather feedback from users and stakeholders.
  • Iterate on the design based on feedback and user testing.
  • Continuously improve and update the dashboard as needed.

Tools for dashboard designs

There are various tools available for designing dashboards, ranging from specialized dashboard design platforms to general graphic design tools. The choice of tool depends on factors such as your specific needs, design preferences, and technical capabilities. Here are some popular tools for dashboard designing:

1. Tableau:

  • Tableau is a powerful data visualization and business intelligence tool.
  • It allows you to create interactive and shareable dashboards.
  • Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

2. Microsoft Power BI:

  • Power BI is a business analytics service by Microsoft.
  • It enables users to create interactive reports and dashboards.
  • Integrates well with other Microsoft products.

3. Google Data Studio:

  • Google Data Studio is a free tool for creating interactive dashboards.
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Google products.
  • Ideal for those who work with Google Analytics and Google Sheets.

4. QlikView/Qlik Sense:

  • QlikView and Qlik Sense are business intelligence and data visualization tools.
  • They offer associative data modeling and interactive dashboards.

5. Domo:

  • Domo is a cloud-based business intelligence and dashboard tool.
  • It provides real-time data visualization and collaboration features.

6. Looker:

  • Looker is a data platform that includes data exploration and visualization.
  • It allows for building interactive and customizable dashboards.

7. Adobe XD:

  • Adobe XD is a versatile design tool that can be used for creating interactive prototypes, including dashboards.
  • It's suitable for designing the user interface and layout.

8. Figma:

  • Figma is a collaborative interface design tool.
  • It supports real-time collaboration and is suitable for designing both web and mobile interfaces, including dashboards.

9. Canva:

  • Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool.
  • While it may not be as feature-rich as some specialized BI tools, it's great for designing simple dashboards and infographics.

10. Excel and Google Sheets:

  • For smaller projects, Excel and Google Sheets can be used to create basic dashboards.
  • They offer basic charting and graphing capabilities.

11. Plotly Dash:

  • Plotly Dash is a Python framework for building analytical web applications.
  • It's suitable for those comfortable with programming and want to create customized dashboards using Python.

12. Dash by Plotly:

  • Dash is a Python framework for building analytical web applications.
  • It's designed to create interactive, web-based dashboards with Python.

Choose a tool based on your specific requirements, the complexity of your data, and your team's familiarity with the tool. Many of these tools offer free versions or trials, so you can explore and determine which one best fits your needs. Choose a design tool that suits your preferences and skills. Tools like Power BI, Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch are popular choices.

  1. Define Purpose or Vision and Audience
  2. Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that need to be displayed on the dashboard.
  3. Prioritize information based on the importance to the users.
  4. Begin with rough sketches to plan the layout of your dashboard.
  5. Consider the arrangement of components such as charts, tables, and navigation.
  6. Create wireframes using design tools or even on paper.
  7. Plan the placement of elements for different screen sizes.
  8. Focus on the hierarchy of information and visual flow.
  9. Ensure that the chosen tool supports responsive design features.
  10. Establish a grid system to maintain consistency in the layout.
  11. Use a flexible grid that adjusts based on screen size.
  12. Start designing for smaller screens (mobile) and then scale up to larger screens.
  13. Prioritize essential information for mobile users.
  14. Create a consistent color scheme and style for the dashboard.
  15. Choose a readable font size and maintain good contrast for text and background.
  16. Design buttons, charts, and other UI elements with a professional and cohesive look.
  17. Design interactive elements like buttons, dropdowns, and filters.
  18. Ensure that these elements work seamlessly on various devices.
  19. Use CSS media queries to make your dashboard responsive.
  20. Adjust styles, layout, and visibility of elements based on the screen size.
  21. Optimize images and other assets to ensure faster loading times.
  22. Consider compressing images without compromising quality.
  23. Test your dashboard on various devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
  24. Use developer tools and emulators for testing.
  25. Gather feedback from potential users or stakeholders.
  26. Iterate on the design based on feedback and usability testing.
  27. Design the dashboard to scale as additional features or data are added.
  28. Optimize performance to ensure a smooth user experience.
  29. Document your design decisions and any specific guidelines for future updates.
  30. Ensure that anyone involved in the project can understand and maintain the dashboard.
  31. Finalize your design based on feedback and testing.
  32. Implement the responsive dashboard based on your finalized design.

By following these steps, you can create a professional and responsive dashboard tailored to your specific needs and audience. Remember to continually iterate and improve based on user feedback and evolving requirements.


Tutorial 1 : Design the Dashboard in Figma

Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to implement a responsive professional dashboard using a popular design tool, Figma, and then implementing it using HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript for interactivity. This tutorial assumes you have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.


Step 1: Create a Figma account if you don't have one.

  1. Open Figma and create a new project.
  2. Create frames for different devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile).
  3. Design the layout and place UI elements on each frame.
  4. Design charts, tables, buttons, and other UI elements.
  5. Ensure a consistent color scheme and typography.
  6. Utilize Figma components for reusable UI elements.
  7. This helps maintain consistency and makes updates easier.
  8. Set constraints for UI elements to ensure they resize appropriately on different screen sizes.
  9. Add hover effects, transitions, and other interactive elements.
  10. Consider user interactions such as dropdowns and buttons.
  11. Use Figma's preview feature to test the responsiveness of your design.

Step 2: Export Assets from Figma

  1. Export individual assets (charts, icons) as needed.
  2. Use export options to choose appropriate file formats (PNG, SVG).
  3. Use Figma's CSS export feature to get the styles for various elements.
  4. This can be helpful for translating the design into code.

Step 3: Implement the Dashboard with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

  1. Create an HTML file with the basic structure (html, head, body).
  2. Link your exported CSS stylesheets.
  3. Include the following meta tag in the <head> for responsiveness:
    1. html Copy code <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  4. Create a header and navigation bar.
  5. Use a flexbox or grid layout for responsiveness.
  6. Create sections for different parts of the dashboard (charts, tables).
  7. Use a grid system for layout.
  8. Insert exported images and icons into your HTML.
  9. Use responsive image techniques (e.g., max-width: 100%) for scalability.
  10. Use JavaScript to add interactivity.
  11. For example, make charts interactive or implement dropdown functionality.
  12. Test your dashboard on various devices to ensure responsiveness.
  13. Use browser developer tools for testing and debugging.
  14. Optimize your code, compress images, and minimize HTTP requests for faster loading.
  15. Test your dashboard in different browsers to ensure compatibility.


Step 4: Deploy and Share

  1. Choose a hosting solution (e.g., GitHub Pages, Netlify) to host your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
  2. Share the link to your hosted dashboard with your intended audience.
  3. Encourage users to provide feedback on the usability and design.
  4. Use feedback to make improvements over time.


Figma Dashboard Design Tutorial YouTube Link


Tutorial 2 : Design the Dashboard in Power BI

Designing a responsive professional dashboard using Power BI involves using the Power BI Desktop application for design and later publishing the report to the Power BI service for sharing. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Set Up Power BI

  1. Download and install the Power BI Desktop application from the official Power BI website.
  2. Sign up for a Power BI account if you don't have one. You can use a free account for basic features.

Step 2: Design the Dashboard in Power BI Desktop (For Beginners)

  1. Open Power BI Desktop and connect to your data source (Excel, SQL Server, etc.).
  2. Design your visualizations using the drag-and-drop interface.
  3. Use charts, tables, and other visual elements to represent your data.
  4. Arrange visualizations on the canvas and format them according to your design.
  5. Adjust colors, fonts, and other styling options.
  6. Create tiles for individual visualizations.
  7. Use text boxes, shapes, and images to enhance the dashboard layout.
  8. Set up interactions between different visualizations for a more interactive experience.
  9. Utilize slicers and filters for dynamic control.
  10. Use the responsive design features of Power BI Desktop to optimize for different screen sizes.
  11. Preview your report in different layouts (phone, tablet, desktop).

Step 3: Publish to Power BI Service

  1. Save your Power BI Desktop file (.pbix).
  2. Sign in to your Power BI account and publish the report to the Power BI service.
  3. In the Power BI service, create a dashboard.
  4. Pin the visualizations and tiles from your report to the dashboard.

Step 4: Share and Collaborate

  1. Share the dashboard by providing access to specific users or groups.
  2. Use the "Share" feature to generate a shareable link.
  3. Use the embed feature in Power BI to integrate your dashboard into websites or applications.
  4. If your data source is dynamic, schedule automatic data refresh in the Power BI service.

Step 5: Monitor and Iterate

  1. Use the Power BI service to monitor user engagement and performance.
  2. Analyze usage analytics and collect feedback.
  3. Based on feedback and usage analytics, iterate on your dashboard design.
  4. Update the Power BI Desktop file and republish as needed.

By following these steps, you can create a responsive professional dashboard using Power BI, leverage its interactive features, and share insights with your audience. Remember to explore additional features in Power BI for advanced analytics and customization based on your specific requirements.


Power BI Dashboard Design Tutorial YouTube Link

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Kabir

Posted by: Kabir