Data Visualization with Microsoft Power BI

Chapter 23. AI-Based Visuals

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of digital products, and Power BI is no exception. Each year, Microsoft’s ecosystem of analytical products expands, and we often struggle to keep up with all the innovations. Typically, AI features are designed for advanced analysts, leaving business users with a “black box” that can be intimidating to open.

In this chapter, we will explore two elements driven by the AI engine: “key influencers” and “Q&A” (questions and answers). On one hand, it might be challenging to categorize them as exotic, considering they are part of the basic set of Power BI visuals. On the other hand, business users often tend to avoid them initially. This is because, on the first attempt, the outcomes may seem unusual and distant from the “see and understand” principle.

In the AppSource gallery, new visuals with AI features are introduced every year. There’s no need for you to implement them right away. At this point, it’s simply information to expand your knowledge and familiarity.

Key Influencers

This visual component represents “built-in analytics.” AI identifies interconnections and trends within the data, determining which factors impact the chosen metrics.

We will test the visual component using the same dataset on bicycle and accessory sales. Let’s attempt to uncover some insights, such as the correlation between sales and product subcategories, as well as the performance of managers in different countries. ...