We’ve said it in the past and we will say it again, we are proud #datanerds at Transform Consulting Group (TCG). Too often we work with clients who have data, but don’t know how to use it. Or maybe they lack a systematic approach to acquiring data or managing projects. We get it. We understand that data can be intimidating and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Our solution to making data easily accessible, user-friendly, and visually appealing? Interactive dashboards. Here are four reasons why we love them (and why we think they may be the perfect solution to your data woes): 

1. Highlight Interactive features. A “live” dashboard has features including filters, actions, and pop-up information boxes. Users are able to seamlessly navigate from one page of a dashboard to another. For example, see the video below. The 2020 ELAC Annual Report Interactive Dashboard includes four pages. The location filter allows the user to take a deep dive into data related to their county and/or region. The filter then applies to each page of the dashboard. Users can navigate from one page to another by selecting a page tab at the top or using the arrows at the bottom of the dashboard. 
2. Connect to Multiple Sources. Programs can link together multiple data sheets from their own program information to visualize data in one place. In addition, they are able to connect their program data to public data (population, poverty, income, etc.) for context to show how a need and/or how their program meets the needs of their audience. For example, the Center for Leadership Development shows how many of their students go to college, compared to the county or Indiana college-going rate (view a similar dashboard example here).
3. Assist in Storytelling. Dashboards allow the builder to guide the audience through a story. The United Fund of Wabash County has an Asset Map of over 300 community resources. Rather than sorting through a list, the interactive dashboard includes page-by-page instructions on how to navigate and filter the data to find the resource someone is searching for in the community. Read more about how to use data for storytelling here. 
4. View & Share Data. Interactive dashboards allow for a variety of visual and sharing formats. Interactive dashboards have the capability to fit to a screen the viewer is using (desktop, laptop, mobile, etc). If a viewer wants to go beyond the online link, most dashboards are available for download or print. 

We understand that not every organization has the time, expertise, and/or capacity to build an interactive dashboard. We want to make data visualization easier and more accessible for your team. We can be your coach or teammate – we can create dashboards for you OR train your team to make your own! Let us help you with your data needs. Contact us today!