Design Analytics That Help Users Take Action
Data & Dashboards · metrics
Updated 2026-07-28
- Data is only useful when it helps users make decisions.
- Avoid showing numbers without context:
- A metric alone creates questions.
- A comparison creates understanding.
- Add meaning to data:
- Show trends.
- Show changes over time.
- Explain what improved or declined.
- Prioritize important information:
- Put critical metrics first.
- Hide advanced details until needed.
- Use visual hierarchy:
- Large numbers for key outcomes.
- Charts for patterns.
- Details for investigation.
- Avoid dashboards full of noise:
- More charts do not mean more insight.
- Every element should answer a user question.
- A good dashboard does not display information. It helps users decide what to do next.
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UX Handbook