Dashboards are web pages that provide both tools and insights. This pages contain both the tools for the certain actions, and the data (analytics) needed to gain insight and knowledge. While typically associated with data visualization, dashboards are versatile tools that provide a centralized, user-friendly interface for accessing and interacting with various applications and their underlying data.
What is dashboard design?
The design of dashboards requires a delicate balance between information density and cognitive load. The process involves identifying critical data points and selecting appropriate visualization techniques to facilitate user comprehension.
For example, consider the Facebook timeline on the home page. In this page users can see analytics about Pages they manage, which of their Groups have new notifications and so on. For users requiring daily updates and actionable insights, this screen offers a centralized hub. By providing direct links to essential tools and information, this approach streamlines user experience and minimizes the need for navigation.
The fundamentals of UI design for dashboards
The initial step in the design process is to classify the dashboard as either operational or analytical. This categorization will shape the overall design strategy, including the selection of appropriate navigation methods and data visualization techniques. Although dashboards can incorporate both operational and analytical components, they often lean towards one or the other. This emphasis enables designers to accurately align the interface with user requirements and cognitive processes.
Operational dashboards help users do things
For example a stock trading app, CRM dashboard, and etc. First of all trading dashboard designed to help users get information, it also has a large number of operational functions: opening a trade, closing a trade, setting stop losses, etc. The success of trading often hinges on precise timing. To facilitate efficient trade execution, an operational dashboard that presents all relevant tools in a clear and accessible manner is preferable to a platform that requires users to navigate through multiple screens and menus.
Analytical dashboards provide the tools and visualizations necessary to understand and derive insights from complex data.
Google Analytics, a widely used tool among designers, marketers, and social media professionals, provides in-depth insights into user behavior, demographics, and traffic patterns on websites and social media channels. By presenting data in visually appealing and intuitive formats, such as charts and graphs, Google Analytics simplifies the interpretation of complex information.
What makes dashboard design so complex?
Dashboard design presents unique challenges compared to other design disciplines, primarily due to the volume of data that must be conveyed and the diverse range of visualization techniques available. For example, Google Analytics's user-friendly interface is organized into three primary categories: audience, behavior, and acquisition. Each category is further subdivided into more specific dashboards, allowing users to dive deeper into the data and uncover valuable insights. The homepage provides a high-level overview of key metrics, enabling users to quickly assess overall performance and identify areas that require further investigation.
To optimize readability and user experience, it is crucial to carefully consider the design of UI elements that involve information truncation. Autocomplete search bars, for instance, provide a more efficient and intuitive method of filtering information than traditional select boxes. In situations where applicable, simple buttons can further simplify user interactions and reduce cognitive load. Complex UI elements, such as intricate dropdown menus or multi-step filtering processes, can hinder usability and accessibility, particularly for users with disabilities or limited technical proficiency.
Data visualizations play a pivotal role in analytical dashboards, facilitating the organization and interpretation of complex data. To ensure optimal comprehension, it is imperative to select appropriate visualization techniques. The term "readability" in this context pertains to the consistency of user interface copy. Inconsistencies in labeling, such as the use of "View more," "See more information," and "Click here for more audience reports," can lead to user confusion and frustration.
How to design a dashboard?
Given the complexity of displaying a significant amount of information, multiple iterations are typically necessary to achieve the ideal balance between comprehensiveness and clarity. Wireframing, a valuable tool for rapid prototyping, allows designers to experiment with different layout and information hierarchy options. By prioritizing information architecture, site structure, and usability, wireframing helps to reduce cognitive load and enhance overall user experience.
Key principles
A popular and effective method for designing dashboards is the utilization of modular grid systems. This approach offers a number of advantages, including improved consistency, scalability, and visual appeal, which are particularly relevant to the design of information-rich dashboards.
- Add the right amount of separation between each data visualization
- Keep user interface design consistent
- Keep in mind that all widgets can be stacked, making them naturally responsive.
Dashboard UI kits to speed-up design process
When designing dashboards, a UI kit with pre-made pages and elements is essential way to speed-up workflow. With so many features built-in Figma or Sketch, using a Dashboard templates is the key to finding the right balance of information architecture and usability.
IOTask Web UI kit
A perfect UI kit for project management apps and websites. IOTASK Web UI kit is a modern, clean, and very detailed UI design kit compatible with Figma and Sketch app. We designed 144 beautiful pages for your future SaaS project. Use a set of 386 unique UI kit components to build your digital product.
BetaCRM SaaS UI kit
Multipurpose UI kit for CRM Dashboards, E-commerce and Sales management. BetaCRM is a modern, clean and very detailed UI kit. We designed 180+ beautiful web pages and mobile app screens and a set of 200+ UI kit components for SaaS dashboard.
IODash Multipurpose UI kit
Multipurpose Web UI kit for Saas Dashboards, Mobile Apps, a perfect UI kit for startups. IODash is a modern, clean and very detailed UI kit. You can use our product for different website or mobile app concepts. Our UI kit is compatible with both Sketch and Figma apps. Use a tool of your choice to design a UI faster with our pre-designed symbols gallery, layers and fonts styles.
