Practical Tableau

Chapter 99. Tip #14: Use Freeform Dashboard Design

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.

John F. Kennedy

Using freeform dashboard design is an easy way to tie several of these data visualization tips together including Tip #5: Use the Golden Ratio (Chapter 90) and Tip #12: Balance Data and Design (Chapter 97). Starting all the way back with Tableau version 8.0, data visualization developers have the option to not only select the overall height and width dimensions of their dashboards, but the ability to place charts, titles, filters, and graphics on the exact x and y coordinates of their choosing—down to the pixel.

This feature is extremely powerful in that it removes all spatial restrictions and offers designers the freedom to use an entire dashboard canvas. Prior to Tableau 8, all dashboard elements had to literally fit inside of a box. The creative freedom that comes with freeform dashboard design provides additional means for engaging end users and making your data visualization worthy of sharing. The biggest benefit that I see from this update is that Tableau users can now create what are essentially interactive infographics. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

• Design a background image for your data visualization that is the same height and width as your final dashboard. Place the image in the dashboard first, then float all of the elements over the image.

• Experiment with the sizing and layout of icons and other graphics to create the best ...