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Creating dashboards in Tableau

Creating dashboards in Tableau.
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1.1
Dashboards in Tableau are used to consolidate and present related information in a single place. They’re used to compare and monitor different data simultaneously. Let’s take a look at how to create them. To create a dashboard, click the new dashboard icon. The dashboard pane on the left includes sections to help build the dashboard. Size allows you to specify how the dashboard will be shared. Consider how your dashboard will be shared and then select the specifications. Fixed allows you to select from commonly used predefined formats or to create your own. Range allows you to specify a range of dimensions. Automatic allows the dashboard to resize itself to fill all the available space, similar to responsive design.
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You can use device preview to preview how the dashboard will appear on a particular device. Sheets lists all the sheets available in the workbook. Hover over a sheet for a preview. To place a sheet on the dashboard, drag and drop it onto the dashboard. When you drag a sheet onto the dashboard, a gray outline will preview where it will be placed. Resize the width and height of visualisation by clicking and dragging. You can also resize the visualisation itself. There are many other options available for specifying how the view appears. Sometimes the best way to learn about them is to explore during your design.
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Filters help add value to your dashboards by allowing viewers to specify their requirements and isolate the data. This also helps promote how widely used the dashboard may be since it means the same overarching dashboard is relevant for different groups. To add a filter, click the menu arrow on the visualisation, select filter, and enter the filter requirements. Let’s add a filter for the month of ship date. Now we can filter by month. We can also format the filter. Let’s make this a single value list.
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You can adjust filters so that they apply to all relevant visualisations in the dashboard. To apply the filter to more views in the dashboard, click the arrow and select apply to worksheets, and select all using this data source. Now you can see that the filter has also been applied to the sales forecast.
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You can also use objects to improve your dashboard design. But remember to choose wisely and sparingly. Text boxes can be used to provide context. Horizontal and vertical can be used to rearrange the layout of the dashboard by adding space. URLs can be used to add links to the dashboard, including emails. Be very conscientious about adding these, as you are directing viewers away from your dashboard, and they might not return. Email links can be added to prompt viewers to request more information. Titles also help provide context, but they can be disabled. You can edit the title text by clicking it.
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Which features do you think will be the most valuable when creating your dashboard?

The video provides an overview of how to create dashboards in Tableau.

Dashboard objects

To add visual appeal, interactivity, and context to your dashboard, you can also add several types of objects.

  • Horizontal and vertical objects provide layout containers that allow you to group related objects. You can also control how your dashboard resizes as users interact with the objects.

  • Text objects can be used to add headers, explanatory text, or other contextual information.

  • Image objects add to the dashboard’s visual appeal. You can hyperlink them to URLs so that when a user clicks, they are redirected to the web page.

  • Web page objects display target pages within the dashboard (Some web pages don’t allow you to embed them.)

  • Blank objects can be used to adjust the spacing between other items.

  • Navigation objects allow users to navigate to another dashboard, sheet, or story.

  • Export objects allow users to export the dashboard as a PDF, PowerPoint slide, or PNG image.

  • Extension objects allow you to add features to dashboards or integrate with other applications outside Tableau.

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Financial Analysis for Business Decisions: How to Use Tableau and Financial Modelling

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Remember that dashboards are shared with end-users, and their main purpose is to inform decision-making. With this in mind, any dashboard design decisions you make should focus on improving the experience for end-users. Avoid adding ‘cool’ functionality simply for its cool factor – ensure that it’s adding value for users and not just a distraction.

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This content is taken from FutureLearn online course
Financial Analysis for Business Decisions: How to Use Tableau and Financial Modelling
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