Define the decisions your dashboard should inform, then only surface metrics that answer those questions.
Stick to a consistent color palette and avoid chart junk. Highlight only what needs immediate attention.
Benchmarks, targets, and previous-period comparisons help viewers interpret whether a metric is good or bad.
Keep the main view simple, then offer drilldowns for teams who need granular detail.
Executives often check dashboards on phones—ensure KPI tiles stack cleanly and tooltips remain readable.
Sales data may need hourly refreshes; finance dashboards might only need daily updates. Set expectations up front.
Keep tabs on pipeline health, bookings, and renewal risk without waiting on ops.
Monitor activation, retention, and feature adoption with drilldowns by cohort.
Automate reporting cycles and surface the KPIs leadership asks about weekly.
Deliver client-facing dashboards that look custom-built and are easy to maintain.