KPI Dashboard Design

Comprehensive patterns for designing effective Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboards that drive business decisions.

When to Use This Skill

• Designing executive, tactical, or operational dashboards.
• Selecting meaningful KPIs for Sales, Marketing, Product, or Finance.
• Building real-time monitoring displays.
• Visualizing data patterns (Cohorts, Trends).

Core Concepts

1. KPI Framework

2. SMART KPIs

• Specific: Clear definition.
• Measurable: Quantifiable.
• Achievable: Realistic targets.
• Relevant: Aligned to goals.
• Time-bound: Defined period.

3. Dashboard Hierarchy

1. Executive Summary: 4-6 Headline KPIs.
2. Department Views: Specific dashboards (Sales, Ops).
3. Drilldowns: Individual metrics & Root Cause Analysis.

Best Practices

• Do: Limit to 5-7 KPIs per view. Use consistent status colors (Red/Green).
• Don't: Use vanity metrics. Use 3D charts. Overcrowd the UI.

Resources

• Department KPI Library
• Dashboard Layout Patterns
• SQL Metrics Examples
• Streamlit Dashboard Code