You have a lot of data-driven reports to create. How can you make them look professional and engaging?

I recently had the opportunity to complete a course at MIT, where I focused on the crucial importance of understanding the target audience when creating reports. The strategic approach to presenting data, taking into account levels of detail, context, and objectives, was emphasized for both internal presentations and client interactions. This MIT perspective reinforced the notion that effectiveness in communicating insights not only enhances understanding but also contributes to a more engaging and impactful experience.

Know your audience is important to decide for the KPIs to be shown and drill down in different multiple directions.Normally same matric or KPI is looked in a different perspective in different departments some like to triangulate to do analysis at MTD level or at YTD and some like to see daily numbers and some want to have a holistic view with drill downs and data cuts on different parameters.Solution lies in catering to multiple requirements using advanced tools like tableau which helps in building interactive user friendly light dashboards just not for aesthetic beauty but in those dash boards data speak and interact and provide meaningful insights at different levels and in muti dimensions with time frame

Best practices to create data driven reports that makes audience engaging is to make charts super simple to interpret.simply focus on KISS. ( Keep it super simple) Then use eye soothing color combination. I prefer using mild or light colors which are not irritating to eyes. Other things to keep in mind is that avoid showing too much irrelevant information on too many charts. Avoid fancy graphs. And before all this, make sure your data is accurate and acceptable.

Data is crucial to driving performance for any company, however it is essential that it is accurate and distilled in a way that resonates with all audiences, so that optimization and change can actually be achieved. This happens by a. Focusing on the actual problems that matter, not just sharing data for data’s sake b. Engaging operational and physician leaders in the analysis so you get meaningful outcomes c. Less is more d. Having a brilliant, open-minded and collaborative analytics team is key.

my goal is to make report as useful and accessible as possible for those who will read it. If you clear goals, report generated automatically!

One thing I've found quite useful is to have a talk with key users/audiences before we start to design the reports. Before the conversation you may list some questions and share some examples to help the users to understand the big picture. Here are some examples: what is the rationales you need this report? to find out some root causes? to monitor some key indicators? How frequently should the report be generated?

The goal is not just to present data but to facilitate the understanding and decision-making. By combining visual appeal with clear and insightful content to create reports that are both professional and engaging to the audience. The consolidated myriad of reports is nevertheless the representation of the past, however, to derive real value from the reports, numerous future scenarios could be generated through “What If” analysis for the reports to provide actionable insights. Accordingly, it is also imperative to translate the “What If” scenarios into “What Now” actions

1. Define clear objectives for your data analysis. 2. Ensure data accuracy and relevance. 3. Utilize advanced analytics tools. 4. Adhere to data privacy regulations. 5. Stay updated with industry trends. 6. Foster collaboration among teams. 7. Employ effective data visualization techniques. 8. Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement.

Here is the solution: 1. Pick charts that tell the story, not just show numbers. 2. Consider dynamic charts or dashboards that let users explore the data themselves 3. Don't just show overall trends, highlight hidden gems in sub-groups or outliers.

What I generally follow: 1. Understand the features and importance of each data type to be shown on the each report and it will change based on the audience. 2. Once you have the data consolidated, add colors to show importance of each feature and then create different reports based on the target audience. You should use colors, graphs, etc. to have clear representation.

👍 It's critical to validate the chart types and data you're presenting in its appropriate context, even if it seems evident at first glance. Sometimes, stakeholders can have a unique (or just plain weird) way of interpreting the charts. 🤔 That validation will prevent pitfalls and help to build trust with them. 🚀 This trust capital will come in handy for future projects.

Using the right chart is imperative when one is dealing with a lot of data, here are a few thumb rules I stick to such as - a) to show revenue of the company use the column chart for year on year and show CAGR b) to split revenue by segment / geographies use waterfall chart or pie charts c) to show revenue from different price points of products use heat chart Other key points to remember are use data labels of appropriate font size, color. So that it's legible to readers. Also put appropriate and consistent syntax for putting titles to charts. Hope it helps!

Data-driven reports don't have to be dull and uninspiring. By incorporating storytelling techniques, using visuals effectively, providing interactivity, simplifying complex data, creating an engaging design, and providing context, you can make your reports more captivating and appealing to your audience. Remember, the goal is to present data in a way that not only informs but also inspires action and drives meaningful change.

La elección del tipo de gráfico es crucial para comunicar eficazmente la información contenida en tus datos Recuerda adaptar la elección del gráfico según el mensaje que desees transmitir y la naturaleza específica de tus datos. Además, ten en cuenta la audiencia a la que te diriges para asegurarte de que la representación visual sea clara y comprensible para ellos. Además de elegir el tipo correcto de gráfico, hay otros elementos importantes a considerar para mejorar la efectividad y la estética de tus informes basados en datos. La claridad y la simplicidad son muy importantes. Siempre piensa en la audiencia y en el mensaje que deseas transmitir al seleccionar elementos visuales y diseñar tus informes basados en datos.

It is always essential to show reports in a summarize and collective way. no need to show extra data which makes the report look more confusing and less attractive. from my experience i can say that reports and data should be in chart representation which clearly defines the comparative data which makes it easy for future decisions

Data must be relevant to the desired objectives. With an overabundance of data sets, it is essential to remember that sometimes less is more.

Selecting the appropriate chart in data visualization hinges on both your data's characteristics and the intended message. When aiming for an artistic report, avoid overly complex charts and prioritize ensuring that the conveyed message aligns effectively with your audience's understanding and expectations.

In my experience and based on the study on data visualization, charts play a key role in telling the story to audience using data points. The first thing to do is pick a chart that best suits the story. Also, usage of colors (less of red and green colors use considering all the representatives from audience) is the key and mention of source from where the data was made available serves as a best practice.

Stake holders generally like to stick to themes that are best fit for the company. Essentially, they like to see simple graphs that conveys information in the simplest manner without distorting the actual information. ---> Know your stakeholders and what they want to see. This makes it easier to segregate the types of graphs that they would like to see more often. --> Line graphs are good at showing granular level data, pie charts are good for comparing less than five items. --> Scavenge articles and blogs to know which graph you need for categorical data to numerical data for clarity --> Using colors close to company theme can help the stakeholders feel more aligned to actual data and get insights.

Ensure that your visuals are giving the insight around the key business metrics, and they story for them, probably avoid Pie charts, and consider if data points are for an absolute number, or trends, or ratios. Recommend Stephen Few, Show me the Numbers, understand how the human brain will read a report, and the key to quick message recognition, nothing complex.

The consistency of the design denotes professionalism. In a properly developed report, there is no room for desynchronizations in terms of data format, page alignment, font, colors, etc. Everything must be in the same note, of course, with the exception of the information that will be highlighted.

As i said before , consider you Report as a story you are telling so be sure its all linked and wrapped in a unified way. By this you will assure the full attention of them

Consistency isn't just aesthetics; it's the silent language of professionalism. A unified design doesn't just please the eye—it guides the mind. In visual harmony, you create a seamless journey from data to understanding, turning information into an immersive experience.

Ensuring a consistent design, encompassing font type, size, infographics, chart colors, and data labels, is vital in crafting data-driven reports and dashboards. Many enterprises have specific color palettes and preferred font families. Upholding uniformity in these aspects provides a visually appealing and user-friendly experience for your audience. Apply this consistency to headers, labels, and data visualization styles for a standardized design, improving readability and accessibility for stakeholders. This approach not only presents a polished and organized image but also bolsters the credibility of the information shared, fostering trust among your audience.

If you work for a professional services firm design is less of a worry as you have a dedicated team who churn out various Powerpoint templates these templates help in keeping consistency across the presentation. This will involve use of colors, fonts, writing style so that less time is spent on design and more focus on content.

A consistent design that aligns with the company and management team's goals is critical for making the impact you are able to make as the insight generator of the team. Gathering a coherent "style" of presenting the story the data holds will establish your own fingerprint and make your personal contribution to the team easier to recognize.

Making our data-driven reports look professional and interesting starts with choosing a consistent design. It entails keeping titles, headers, text, and charts consistent in terms of typefaces, colors, and styles. Ascertain appropriate alignment and spacing to provide a visually harmonious appearance. Think about utilizing themes or templates that complement our report's theme or our brand identification. This report has a sense of cohesion because of the uniform design, which improves reading and creates a visual identity.

Keep the colour palette and layout simple and consistent. Try not to overcrowd the screen real estate and put yourself in the mind of the end users. “Does the report clearly and intuitively provide the viewer with the information needed to support decision making?” The use of infographics, colour, size or shapes to try and emphasise the most import information can be beneficial. Also, tooltips, headings and descriptions (narrative) are useful. Try not to forget how and where the information will be consumed, on what device, in which environment etc. and factor this into design. Do not forget to cater for people with visual impairments. Your organisation may already have standards, colours, fonts etc. which you can use as a reference.

Dashboards efetivam esse aspecto após tabulações de bases históricas de negócios. Fazem empresarialmente criação de kpi de alcance pras metas.

Three very poor data viz practices I see repeatedly: 🔸No BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) 🔸BAN (Big Annoying Numbers) with no context 🔸Stop Playing Charades - show AND tell A data report is NOT a mystery novel - reveal whodunnit, how, why, and what happens next on the FIRST page. * BLUF * - then let the reader decide how much of the backstory they want to explore. Don't just provide big, dumb KPI numbers, e.g., Total Sales $14.6M. When looking at a KPI, reader should be able to answer: Is metric up or down? How does current value compare to historical patterns? How are we doing relative to target? For your key findings and recommendations, augment charts with dynamic text narratives for clarity and emphasis.

They say this is the age of the storyteller. Keeping the attention of your target group or audience live is an art by itself. Being able to set the right context for a discussion on the report, and presenting a compelling narrative that engages the audience in a fully involved and vibrant interaction, are crucial for the data and the analyses in the report to be appreciated.

Ao abordar visualizações de dados, a narrativa envolve mais do que simplesmente apresentar informações; trata-se de contar a história por trás dos números. Destacar a importância de cada dado, explicar seu impacto e sugerir ações pertinentes baseadas neles é crucial. Opte por legendas informativas, anotações esclarecedoras e introduções cativantes nos relatórios. Enfatize não só o "o quê", mas o "porquê" dos dados, oferecendo soluções claras e opções estratégicas. Estruture visualmente o conteúdo com títulos, subtítulos e marcadores para guiar os leitores e transmitir uma narrativa lógica e acionável.

I like to tell a story: A) The problem or issues, B) the fix - the actionable insights and C) next steps. I don't believe tables and tables of information help readers. Each slide should further the story - what is the key messaging, explicitly stated at the very top of the slide which the reader uses as context to go through visual. If your visual has a lot of moving parts to it, use callout to help focus the reader back to your key message. Finally close out with a review of the executive summary and next steps.

Treat the user like a financial infant. Use simple language and terms so as not to confuse the audience. Be succinct in any explanation. Too much information or narrative could lead to passive interest and understanding.

My take is.. just highlight the number one message you want people to takeaway from the data. Most people are not interested in the detailed analysis, commentary or insights, rather the one thing they should learn/think/feel/do from what you are presenting

Data storytelling is an important aspect of driving insight driven decisions and better data adoption. We need to make data story telling relevant to the audience and drive the right narrative within the organization.

L'élément le plus important pour moi est l'histoire, en condensé, à raconter : en une phrase, quel message doit porter votre rapport? Tous les autres choix de conception du rapport en découlent, à commencer par la structure du document pour mener logiquement le lecteur ou la lectrice à la conclusion et l'incorporation de données en nombre suffisant seulement pour soutenir les messages.

La efectividad de tus informes no solo depende de los gráficos y tablas que utilices, sino también de cómo presentas la información y te conectas con tu audiencia. Mantén un enfoque claro, conciso y centrado en los mensajes clave que deseas transmitir. Además de los elementos mencionados anteriormente, aquí hay algunas consideraciones adicionales que pueden mejorar la calidad y la presentación de tus informes basados en datos como el storytelling utilizando narrativas para guiar a la audiencia a través de la información de manera lógica y persuasiva.

Data visualization is not only about showing numbers and graphs, but also about telling a story and providing context. You need to explain what your data means, why it matters, and what actions or decisions you suggest based on it. You can do this by adding captions, annotations, highlights, or callouts to your charts, as well as writing an introduction and a summary for your report. You can also use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize your report and guide your audience through your logic and reasoning

Power BI is far more than just visualization software - it is an end-to-end analytical platform that encompasses data ingestion, cleaning, modeling, analysis, visualization, distribution, and administration. As such, learning it can be daunting. I believe focusing on these "Super 6" areas is the quickest path to a strong foundation: 🔸 Learn to build a star schema data model 🔸 Master basic Power Query transformations 🔸 Learn and apply Roche's Maxim 🔸 Focus DAX learning on understanding filter context, row context, context transition and the 20% of DAX functions that will give you 80%+ of the benefit 🔸 Learn the offset approach to time intelligence, which will greatly simplify your DAX calcs 🔸 Study the #IBCS standards for data viz

In my opinion, data represented through dashboards helps Business Leaders visualise , understand and respond quickly to market needs. It helps them analyse business trends over a period of time very easily and also monitor the impact of the various parameters that affect the growth , productivity , costs or efficiency depending on which aspect of the business they are tryinf to study.

Use new edge tools and technologies as it will help save your time and effort. Also, it will help make the reports look much better and precisely what readers want out of the report. If its online, then real-time data can be checked and data types can be added or modified based on the need and audience.

Complex data can be better interpreted through visualization. It improves understanding of data and helps in pattern and trend identification. Overall it aids in data driven decision making.

A BI tool is essential to any leader / team of a venture or company looking to make sense of the business's activities, operations and strategies. Think of it as the backpack you carry on your journey that holds your compass, map and tools needed to arrive at your destination. Making sense of the data and generating insights (in this example) is much like your ability stay on course and heading straight towards the short and long-term KPIs of the business

Most important consideration is to be given to the overall context of the reporting and story telling. If the reports are not intutive, coherent and cohesive to the topic in discussion most well-buit may become useless.

Chip and Dan Heath in the book Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, mention 6 principles of presenting ideas in an effective way, which can be used to present data-based reports. The first principle: simplicity; Find the key concept of the idea The second principle: being unexpected; Draw the audience's attention to the idea The third principle: tangibility; Expressing the idea in a clear and clear way The fourth principle: authenticity; Make the idea believable The fifth principle: being emotional; The idea has become important The sixth principle: being fictional; Persuading the audience to act on our idea

Tableau is a well-liked option for comprehensive data analysis and presentation because of its user-friendly interface, strong analytical capabilities, and dynamic visualizations. Functionality Spectrum: Take advantage of the wide range of functions that these tools have to offer, from basic free internet solutions to sophisticated ones found in premium desktop software. Import and Analysis: Streamline the entire data processing and presentation workflow by effectively importing, analyzing, and visualizing data within the selected software. Sharing and Publication: These technologies make it simple to share and publish reports both online and offline, guaranteeing that stakeholders are informed in a smooth and efficient manner.

Any data which is shown in reports or dashboard impacts very less to business decisions. It depends on individual how he interprets the report and use his judgement for business decisions. In my opinion any data presented in dashboards should be available with auto insights through certain algorithms and force individuals to take decisions on the basis of that insight. Any report without insight is just information and never lead to any specific business decision. “Data should always talk to person who is viewing it”

I see a large number of reports that wreck right out of the gate due to poor color theme choice, including the use of color themes inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Here are a number of outstanding free resources that will help you build great-looking, accessible color themes for your reports. 🔸Coolors (free and pro versions, web and mobile app) - extensive set of tools, including ability to check themes for readability and accessibility 🔸Bibb Theme Generator for Power BI (free) 🔸 Remsey Mailjard's Custom Color Theme GPT (free) 🔸 Observable HQ Copyable Color Themes (free) 🔸 Chromatic Vision Sampler (free) - upload a screenshot of your report and it simulates how it looks to people with different types of color blindness.

Rather than generating numerous aesthetically pleasing data-driven reports, a more effective strategy is to incorporate solutions that involve users through integrated analytics within the application, allowing the data to reach the user seamlessly.

- use data storytelling method to make it easier to digest for the audience - avoid biases (e.g. confirmation bias) - watch out for outliers - know the difference between causation and correlation when interpreting data - mention your sources - whenever possible, give a brief background on how the data was collected and statistical method

Stop creating reports and start creating monitored insights. Start creating information that decision makers need to help make a data driven decision. We think we need lots of reports but we do not.

the most mature approach i heard of is to use a standard for reporting like IBCS from Hichert combined wirh cataloged data and automate the report creation

Try to create a story, a flow, start with high level picture and then deep dive into specifics. When using visualizations, try to add a head line to each visualization to convey the message or highlight key insight

The most critical part of any report and sometimes it is in an appendix is the calculation and source data used. Someone should be able to replicate the report using the same data and criteria.

Más allá de mostrar tendencias, es importante que los bullets del análisis reflejen como impactan en la estrategia y el rendimiento del negocio. Comprender esta vinculación entre análisis y estrategia demuestra profesionalidad y visión.

I believe maintaining and updating reports is crucial for their growth and relevance. Creating reports is just the start – keeping them fresh is the key to their usefulness.