Data Visualization Dashboard Design

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) widget on a dashboard?

Accepted Answer

Show a single critical metric with context or comparison

Answer

KPI widgets surface a single critical number (e.g., revenue, conversion rate) alongside a target or trend for quick performance assessment.

Question 2

In dashboard design, what is meant by 'information hierarchy'?

Accepted Answer

Organizing dashboard elements by importance, placing most critical information first

Answer

Information hierarchy arranges dashboard content so the most critical metrics receive prominent placement and visual weight, guiding the viewer's eye.

Question 3

What is the '5-second rule' in dashboard design?

Accepted Answer

A viewer should be able to understand the main insight within 5 seconds

Answer

A well-designed dashboard should communicate its primary insight or answer its core question within 5 seconds of viewing.

Question 4

Which layout principle recommends placing the most important dashboard elements in the top-left area?

Accepted Answer

F-pattern or Z-pattern reading flow

Answer

Studies show Western readers scan screens in an F or Z pattern, starting top-left, so high-priority metrics belong there.

Question 5

What is a 'sparkline' in dashboard design?

Accepted Answer

A small, word-sized trend line embedded inline with text or a metric

Answer

Sparklines, popularized by Tufte, are compact inline charts (usually trend lines) that show data shape without axes or labels.

Data Visualization Practice Test

Data Visualization Practice Test

Data Visualization Dashboard Design