Beginner level · Module 5: Dashboard Fundamentals in Excel · Lesson 1 of 3
Planning a Dashboard
Start from the decisions the dashboard supports and sketch its layout before building.
In this lesson you will
- Identify the user's key questions
- Sketch a dashboard layout with a clear hierarchy
Key concepts
user questionskey figureslayoutvisual hierarchy
The lesson
A dashboard is for a specific person and decision. Ask the owner which three or four questions they check each month: total sales against last month, best and worst products, stock running low.
Sketch the layout on paper: key figures at the top, the most important chart next, details below. People read from top left.
Fit it on one screen. A dashboard that needs scrolling is a report, not a dashboard.
Step by step
- Interview the 'owner' about their questions.
- Choose key figures and charts.
- Sketch the layout.
- Agree the sketch before building.
Practice activity
Produce an approved dashboard sketch for the level project.
Expected result: A sketch mapping each element to one of the owner's questions.
Check your understanding
-
Where should the most important figures go?
Show answer
At the top, starting from the left.
-
What is the difference between a dashboard and a report?
Show answer
A dashboard fits on one screen and answers key questions at a glance.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.