Introduction
Effective data dashboard design is a balancing act between form and function. The best dashboards are ones that are visually appealing and convey the right amount of information to the viewer without being overwhelming and confusing.
Purpose of this document
Visual consistency is important in any user interface design. Multiple related dashboards with no visual consistency can appear chaotic and be confusing to the viewer. Visual consistency in dashboards can increase usability and improve message communication. The purpose of this document is to outline methods to help the visual consistency in all University of Southern Indiana dashboards designed for official business and reporting purposes.
Download USI Dashboard Standards PDF
Layout
Branding
The University logo should be placed on the top left hand side of the dashboard. Logos may be obtained from the University Brand website. You will need to store the logos in your Common Tableau Repository. (See Repository Mapping Guide) Although block and stacked logos are available to use, the preferred logo to use is the horizontal one (USIAcad-WdmkHoriz-4C). The size of the logo should be in balance with the size of the dashboard.
Dashboard Size
Dashboard Title
Dashboard titles should be located in the top right hand side of the dashboard. They should be no more than two lines and the height of the title should correspond to the height of the University logo.
Dashboard Description
Each dashboard should have a short description (no more than two lines) of the contents of the dashboard.
Number of Visualizations
Filters
Mobile
Colors
The USI Color Palette contains nine colors that coordinate with the University brand. These colors should be used in all visualizations unless
Since the color red in charts and graphs traditionally has a negative connotation, the use of red should be limited to highlighting pieces of the visualization that indicate a deficit or negative trend.
The usage of other background colors or accent colors should be kept to a minimum. If using row banding in a text table, choose a light shade of gray.
The hexadecimal codes for the colors in the USI Color Palette are as follows:
You will need to store the USI Color Palette in the Preferences file in your Common Tableau. (Setting up the Preferences File) After that it should be available from the Tableau marks card. If you cannot find the USI Color Palette in your marks card, you may need to redirect your repository.
Typography
Images
An information icon may be used to include instructions or explanations about the dashboard. (See Creating an Information Icon)
There are other standard icons that may be used.
Icon images are located on the USI Website. You can download them and add them to your Tableau Repository (Adding Images to Your Custom Shape Folder)
Images besides University logos and icons may be used if the image conveys information, but should not be used for purely decorative purposes.
Footnotes
Best Practices
Example: Source: University Records as of 7/2/2017
Example: For questions, please contact opra@usi.edu.