Visual Analytics for Dashboards: A Step-by-Step Guide to Principles and Practical Techniques

This book covers the key principles, best practices, and practical techniques for designing and implementing visually compelling dashboards. It explores the various stages of the dashboard development process, from understanding user needs and defining goals, to selecting appropriate visual encodings, designing effective layouts, and employing interactive elements. It also addresses the critical aspect of data storytelling, examining how narratives and context can be woven into dashboards to deliver impactful insights and engage audiences.

Visual Analytics for Dashboards is designed to cater to a wide range of readers, from beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals of visual analytics, to seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their dashboard design skills. For different types of readers, such as a data analyst, BI professional, data scientist, or simply someone interested in data visualization, this book aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to create impactful dashboards.

What you’ll learn

The principles of data visualization

How to create effective dashboards

Meet all the requirements for visual analytics/data visualization/dashboard courses

Deepen understanding of data presentation and analysis

How to use different kinds of tools for data analysis, such as scorecards and key performance indicators

Arshad Khan is a versatile business intelligence/analytics and training professional, with 35+ years of experience, who has led many Tableau and SAP projects. He has consulted for Accenture, PwC, Deloitte, Chevron, Bose Corporation, Daimler Chrysler, Genentech, PepsiCo, Hitachi-America, and many other blue-chip companies.

Khan has authored 17 books including six on business intelligence. He has taught many data visualization, dashboards, data analysis, BI, and SAP courses at 9 universities including Golden Gate University, Santa Clara University, and the University of California (Berkeley, Santa Cruz/Silicon Valley, and San Diego Extensions). Mr. Khan has a graduate degree in chemical engineering and an MBA.