12+1 TIPS TO DESIGN THE BEST DASHBOARDS
A dashboard should not be limited to displaying data: it should help interpret it, prioritize what matters, and facilitate decision-making.
When design does not support this, visual noise, confusing messages, and charts that fail to answer the user’s real questions appear.
Creating an effective dashboard is not just about aesthetics: it is a critical business tool.
A well-designed dashboard is the final result of a process that includes requirements gathering, KPI definition, and data modeling. A poor design can make your industrial dashboard fail to convey valuable information, even making data less understandable than in its original state.
Follow these 13 practical recommendations and design clearer, more readable, and more effective dashboards!
Discover:
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- How to organize your dashboard so the most important information stands out at first glance
- What design mistakes make your dashboards hard to read, and how to avoid them
- How to use color, space, shape, order… so your dashboard becomes the best possible support tool
- Best practices for usability, consistency, accessibility, optimization, and much more
Tip 01
Simplify the complex
Make the data speak for itself, without needing to explain anything.
Tip 02
Tell a clear story
Organize your data logically and link each chart to the user’s questions.
Tip 03
Design for the end user
Management, operators, maintenance… each role needs its own perspective and level of detail.
Tip 04
Use visual hierarchies
Guide the eye to what’s important
- Z-pattern alignment: we read diagonally, from top left to bottom right.
Content placed there stands out.
- Size: larger elements are perceived as more important.
- Bright, saturated colours: attract attention. Use them so that attention isn’t drawn solely to large panels.
- Logical order: place key KPIs at the top, trends in the middle, and details at the bottom.
- Complex shapes: stand out against simple backgrounds.
Tip 05
Leave some breathing space
Use white space to separate sections, avoid visual clutter and improve readability.
Tip 06
Control the use of colour
Use a limited (2-3 colours), consistent and meaningful palette.
Too much colour is confusing.
Tip 07
Be consistent
Colours, typography, icons… maintain visual consistency across all dashboards and ensure they align with your brand image.
Tip 08
Embrace minimalism
Limit your dashboard to ≤10 elements.
Avoid information ‘clutter’, show only what is essential for each profile.
Tip 09
The 5-second rule
The user must grasp the essentials within 5 seconds. To show more details, use the drill-down feature.
Tip 10
Iterate constantly
Gather feedback, test, and improve. A useful dashboard is ‘alive’.
Tip 11
Keep accessibility in mind
Make sure everyone can understand your dashboard
- Avoid red-green combinations: use more accessible combinations such as red-blue or add textures.
- Contrast: ensure high contrast between background and text.
- Thick lines and solid fills: use them to improve visibility.
- Ensure readability: of text, legends, and labels.
Tip 12
Optimize for the primary device
Even if it’s responsive, optimize your dashboard for
- Mobile: avoid small details, use large buttons and clear text.
- On the shop floor: prioritize visibility from a distance.
- PC: organize space well and consider the user’s visual journey.
Tip 13
Choose the right type of chart
Avoid incorrect visualizations:
Composition? Comparison? Trend?
Use the appropriate chart.
