25 Oct

Data Visualization Using Excel Dashboards

Eeshani Oct 25, 2015 No Comments

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What is Data Visualization?
It is the presentation of the data in pictorial form. Data when presented in form of graphs rather than tables helps us to get the insights quickly. Patterns, trends and correlations which might go undetected in tables can be easily recognized through the data visualization tools.

The most commonly used Data Visualization tools are:
• MS-Excel (one of the oldest tool)
• Tableau
• QlikView

Data Visualization Using Dashboards
A dashboard is a visual interface that provides at-a-glance views into key insights of a business process. A dashboard has three key attributes.
1. Displays data graphically in form of charts and helps focus attention on key trends and comparisons.
2. Displays only data that is relevant to the goal of the dashboard
3. Relieves the user from having to perform their own analysis by having predefined conclusions relevant to the goal of dashboard

Steps of Creating a Dashboard
1. Understand the data and variables involved
2. Ask the user about the business goals and analysis parameters
3. Create a mock layout to get a high-level sense of what data the dashboard will require
4. Define the dimensions and filters

MS-Excel Tools Used for Creating Dashboard
A good working knowledge of the tools and functions mentioned below can help one create appealing dashboards.
• Sparklines – click below