8 Best Practices for Designing Dashboards with Qlik Sense

Data-driven decision-making in the contemporary business world now requires dashboards. Users can create dynamic, interactive dashboards with Qlik Sense, one of the top business intelligence (BI) tools. But creating a dashboard that offers useful information necessitates careful preparation and implementation. The 8 best practices for creating dashboards with Qlik Sense that guarantee usability, effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal are highlighted in this article.

1. Define the Purpose and Audience

Before diving into the design process, clearly outline the dashboard's purpose. Ask yourself:

• Who will use this dashboard?

• What decisions will it support?

For example, an executive's sales dashboard will be very different from a salesperson's. You can focus on the right metrics and keep the dashboard clear of unnecessary information by being aware of your audience.

2. Choose the Right Visualizations

A range of visualizations, including scatter plots, line graphs, and bar charts, are available in Qlik Sense. Select the most appropriate visualization based on the data you are presenting.

• Use bar charts for comparisons.

• Opt for line graphs to show trends over time.

• Leverage scatter plots for identifying correlations.

Avoid overloading your dashboard with fancy visuals that may confuse users. Simplicity and relevance are key.

3. Ensure Data Accuracy and Integrity

Your dashboard is only as good as the data it presents. Qlik Sense simplifies data integration, but always validate the data sources before building your dashboard. Ensure that:

• Data is up-to-date.

• Metrics are consistent across different views.

• Calculations and aggregations align with business goals.

Regularly update and audit data to maintain credibility.

4. Focus on User-Friendly Design

User experience is critical in dashboard design. Ensure your Qlik Sense dashboard is:

• Intuitive: Users should navigate effortlessly.

• Responsive: Adaptable to different devices like desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

• Organized: Group related metrics together for a seamless flow of information.

Utilize Qlik Sense’s customization options to prioritize user-friendly layouts and features.

5. Emphasize KPIs and Key Metrics

Determine and clearly show the key performance indicators (KPIs) that are pertinent to the objectives of your dashboard. Steer clear of overloading users with information. Instead, focus on:

• Highlighting high-priority metrics with larger fonts or contrasting colors.

• Placing KPIs at the top of the dashboard for quick access.

By keeping the most critical insights front and center, users can make faster, informed decisions.

6. Incorporate Interactivity

One of the standout features of Qlik Sense certification is its interactive capabilities. Enhance user engagement by enabling:

• Drill-downs: Allow users to click on a summary metric to view detailed data.

• Filters and selections: Provide options for users to segment data by region, time, or category.

• Responsive charts: Ensure charts update dynamically based on user input.

Interactive dashboards foster exploration, leading to deeper insights.

7. Maintain Consistent Styling

A visually appealing dashboard relies on consistency. Ensure uniformity in:

• Fonts and colors: Use the same font family and color palette across the dashboard.

• Alignment and spacing: Keep elements aligned for a tidy appearance.

• Labeling: Clearly label charts, axes, and filters to avoid confusion.

Consistent styling not only enhances readability but also reinforces branding when dashboards are shared externally.

8. Test and Iterate

Designing a dashboard is an iterative process. After initial development, test your Qlik Sense dashboard with a small group of end users. Gather feedback on:

• Data accuracy.

• Ease of navigation.

• Relevance of metrics and visualizations.

Refine the design based on user input to ensure it meets their needs. Regular updates based on evolving requirements are also essential for long-term relevance.

Conclusion

In Qlik Sense, creating powerful dashboards necessitates a methodical approach. These 8 best practices will help you make sure your dashboards offer useful insights in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Always keep in mind that a dashboard's main objective is to provide users with the data they need to make quicker, more informed decisions.