Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring

Stephen Few

Physical

In Circulation

A leader in the field of data visualization, Stephen Few exposes the common problems in dashboard design and describes its best practices in great detail and with a multitude of examples in this updated second edition. According to the author, dashboards have become a popular means to present critical information at a glance, yet few do so effectively. He purports that when designed well, dashboards engage the power of visual perception to communicate a dense collection of information efficiently and with exceptional clarity and that visual design skills that address the unique challenges of dashboards are not intuitive but rather learned.

The book not only teaches how to design dashboards but also gives a deep understanding of the concepts—rooted in brain science—that explain the why behind the how. This revised edition offers six new chapters with sections that focus on fundamental considerations while assessing requirements, in-depth instruction in the design of bullet graphs and sparklines, and critical steps to follow during the design process. Examples of graphics and dashboards have been updated throughout, including additional samples of well-designed dashboards.

What will you learn from this book

 

  1. Purposeful Design: Emphasizing the importance of designing dashboards with a clear purpose in mind, ensuring that the data displayed aligns with the users' needs and objectives.

  2. Clarity and Simplicity: Advocating for simplicity in dashboard design, emphasizing clear and easily understandable visualizations that convey information efficiently.

  3. Data Hierarchy and Organization: Exploring techniques to organize and structure data hierarchically on dashboards, allowing users to quickly grasp key insights while drilling down into details if needed.

  4. Effective Visualization Techniques: Discussing various visualization methods—such as charts, graphs, tables, and indicators—that effectively represent different types of data and patterns.

  5. Color, Typography, and Layout: Explaining the role of color, typography, and layout in dashboard design, emphasizing their impact on user comprehension and engagement.

  6. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Identifying and addressing common mistakes in dashboard design, such as cluttered displays, misleading visualizations, and unnecessary complexities.

  7. User-Centric Approach: Advocating for a user-centered design approach, understanding user requirements, preferences, and cognitive processes to create intuitive and user-friendly dashboards.

  8. Dashboard Interactivity: Discussing the appropriate use of interactive elements in dashboards, allowing users to explore and interact with data without compromising clarity.

  9. Real-World Examples and Case Studies: Providing real-world examples and case studies of well-designed dashboards and their effectiveness in delivering information at-a-glance.

  10. Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement in dashboard design, incorporating feedback, testing, and refining designs to enhance usability and effectiveness.

Language English
ISBN-10 1938377001
ISBN-13 9781938377006
No of pages 260
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Analytics Press
Published Date 15 Aug 2013

About Author

Author : Stephen Few

2 Books

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