Chapter 72. How to Create a Custom Top Navigation

My data visualization mission statement is to reduce the time to insight, improve the accuracy of insights, and increase engagement. Engagement is more than making pretty charts. It is also about providing an intuitive user experience to help your audience find additional value-adding insights. Part IV aims to provide several ideas and inspiration for improving your Tableau workbooks. These tips are applicable for Tableau Desktop, Tableau Public, Tableau Online, and Tableau Server.

This chapter shows you how to re-create something like the Tableau Online/Server interface within your own local Tableau workbook. This is a great technique any time you need to provide an intuitive and professional-looking interface for your end users to navigate between multiple dashboards.

Eight Characteristics of Successful User Interfaces

All of the user interface tips in this section attempt to follow the guidelines of Dmitry Fadeyev’s “Eight Characteristics of Successful User Interfaces”:

1. Clear
It should be apparent to the end user how the interface will behave.
2. Concise
The data visualization equivalent of removing chartjunk; keep explanations succinct and to the point.
3. Familiar
Use schemas to make it easier for your users to understand what to do.
4. Responsive
The interface should react quickly/provide feedback when users interact.
5. Consistent
Coach your users through repetitive use of similar elements.
6. Attractive
Balance ...

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