Switching from Power BI to Tableau Desktop on a project comes with its challenges and opportunities. Here's how we navigated through client feedback to enhance a dashboard, distilled into actionable tips.
Quick Brief Summary: The task involved refining a Power BI dashboard based on client feedback, then reimagining it in Tableau Desktop with specific metrics and formatting in mind.
What Worked Well
- Adapting Client Feedback: Directing the dashboard based on client input set a solid foundation for the project. Their positive feedback was crucial in steering the adaptation process in Tableau.
- Overcoming Tool Differences: Although replicating Power BI’s bookmark functionality in Tableau was challenging, focusing on the core metrics and formatting desired by the client led to success.
- Documentation: Keeping thorough documentation separate from the project allowed for a smoother potential transition for future colleagues.
- Adding Context: Providing context for the numbers displayed on the dashboard was key in making the data relatable and understandable.
Bite-Sized Tips for Future Projects
- Proactive Engagement: At the presentation's end, have questions ready for the client. This encourages dialogue and can unveil deeper insights.
- Beyond the Surface: High-level charts are great for overview insights but be prepared to dig deeper. Consider what additional questions these charts might prompt and if further analysis or charts could address them.
- Simplicity in Comparison: Avoid burying essential insights behind interactive elements. Keeping comparisons straightforward aids in clarity.
- Strategic White Space: Use white space to guide the viewer's attention to critical parts of the dashboard. It’s about highlighting, not hiding.
- Minimal Text, Maximum Impact: Overloading with text can overwhelm. Where possible, keep detailed explanations accessible yet not immediately in the foreground, allowing the data to speak first.
- Early Check-Ins: Confirm with the client if the project's direction aligns with their expectations early on to ensure you're on the right track.
