As I arranged a scatterplot for the third time, muttering under my breath about colour palettes, I paused to reflect: Is crafting a dashboard an art form, or simply another version of speed dating? Both require first impressions that dazzle and just enough flair to keep people coming back for more.
Tip #7: Make It Pretty
Here’s the truth: beauty matters. And no, I don’t mean red-carpet glamor—I’m talking about dashboards that are easy on the eyes and scream, “Look at me!” Designing a dashboard is like setting the table for a dinner party: you want everything to look good, make sense, and invite engagement.
But don’t stress. Nobody expects you to be a design pro right out of the gate. Instead, follow these golden rules for dashboard design:
- A Catchy Title: Think headline-worthy. Your title is the front door to your story.
- Lead with the Big Stuff: Your key findings (KPIs) should be front and centre—don’t make your audience dig for the goods.
- Stick to a Single Colour Scheme: Pick a palette and commit. Keep it simple, cohesive, and easy on the eyes.
- Use a “Z” Pattern Layout: Start top-left, end bottom-right. It’s a layout that just works.
- Keep Text to a Minimum: Let your charts do the talking. Trust me, less is more.
Speaking of charts, variety is your friend. Avoid a sea of bar graphs by incorporating a mix—scatterplots, line graphs, heatmaps, maybe even a tree map. But don’t overdo it: four to six charts is a sweet spot. Any more, and your viz risks becoming a chaotic jungle instead of a guided tour.
Tip #8: Sketch Your Vision
Before diving into Tableau, do yourself a favour: sketch it out. Whether it’s a napkin doodle or a polished diagram on Excalidraw (my latest obsession—link below), this step will save you hours of frustration. Think about where each chart will go, how interactivity will work, and what shapes or colours you’ll use to tie it all together.
Tiny tip: Make your dashboard interactive! Adding filters, parameters, and actions can transform your viz from static to dynamic. Just remember to give your parameters descriptive names—trust me, “Parameter 1” will come back to haunt you. I learned this the hard way while wrestling with a three-layer map drill-down. After rebuilding it twice, I finally named everything, and voilà—the chaos disappeared.
Tip #9: Socialize Your Way to Success
So, you’ve made it through the initial hurdles and are heading for the in-person interview. This is your time to shine—and to connect.
Each applicant gets paired with a Data School feedback buddy, your go-to guide for questions, advice, and pep talks. But don’t stop there. Reach out to others in the company: Data School coaches, trainees, and even the wider team at The Information Lab (TIL). Networking might feel awkward, but here’s a secret: they want you to succeed.
Socializing is more than just easing interview nerves—it’s a chance to gather invaluable insights. Ask for feedback on your viz, presentation tips, or even company culture. Everyone at TIL is a cheerleader in your corner, ready to offer advice or encouragement.
Bonus Tip: Meet Us IRL
If you’re local—or can make the trip—come to one of TIL’s Meet & Greet events. These informal gatherings happen every other month and are a fantastic way to meet current trainees, alumni, and staff. Nothing beats face-to-face connections for boosting your confidence and expanding your network.
As I finished arranging my charts and tidying up my dashboard, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. From picking a topic to crafting the perfect viz, the process was as much about learning as it was about showcasing my skills. And through it all, I realized: success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about the connections you make along the way.
Song of the Day:
~S xoxo