Latest news with #dataVisualization
Geeky Gadgets
16 hours ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Create Power BI Interactive Dashboards Like a Pro in 10 Minutes : No Coding Required
What if you could transform raw data into a sleek, interactive dashboard in just 10 minutes? It might sound ambitious, but with the right tools and guidance, it's entirely possible. Imagine walking into a meeting with a visually compelling report that not only grabs attention but also delivers actionable insights—without spending hours wrestling with spreadsheets or coding. Power BI, a leading business intelligence tool, makes this a reality by offering a user-friendly platform to create professional dashboards with minimal effort. Whether you're a data enthusiast or a complete beginner, this walkthrough will show you how to turn your data into a powerful storytelling tool in record time. In the video below Mo Chen will teach you how to connect your data, clean and prepare it, and design visualizations that truly resonate with your audience. You'll also learn how to add interactive features, like slicers and filters, that make your dashboard more dynamic and engaging. By the end of this guide, you'll not only have a functional Power BI dashboard but also the confidence to replicate the process for future projects. Mo Chen, an expert in data visualization, has broken down the process into clear, actionable steps that anyone can follow. Let's explore how to make the most of Power BI's capabilities and create something that informs and inspires. Build a Power BI Dashboard 1: Import and Connect Your Data The process begins with connecting Power BI to your data source. Power BI supports a wide range of data sources, including: Excel spreadsheets SQL databases Cloud-based platforms like Azure, Google Analytics, or Salesforce To start, open Power BI Desktop and select the 'Get Data' option. Choose your desired data source and follow the prompts to establish the connection. Once connected, review the imported data to ensure all fields and tables are loaded correctly. This step is critical for identifying any missing or incomplete data that could affect your dashboard later. Taking the time to verify your data structure at this stage ensures a smoother workflow as you proceed. 2: Clean and Prepare Your Data Clean data is the backbone of any reliable dashboard. Power BI's Power Query Editor provides robust tools to help you prepare your data effectively. Common data preparation tasks include: Removing duplicate entries Filling in missing values Standardizing inconsistent formats, such as dates or currencies For example, if your dataset contains dates in multiple formats, you can use the 'Transform' tab to standardize them into a single format. Similarly, you can remove unnecessary columns or rows that do not contribute to your analysis. By making sure your data is clean and well-structured, you set the stage for accurate and meaningful visualizations. How to Build a Power BI Dashboard Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in Power BI dashboard by reading more of our detailed content. 3: Create Visualizations With your data prepared, the next step is to create visualizations that effectively communicate key insights. Power BI offers a wide variety of visualization options, such as: Bar charts: Ideal for comparing categories, such as sales by region Ideal for comparing categories, such as sales by region Line graphs: Useful for tracking trends over time Useful for tracking trends over time Pie charts: Best for showing proportions or percentages Best for showing proportions or percentages Tables: Provide detailed views of raw data To create a visualization, simply drag and drop fields from the 'Fields' pane onto the report canvas. Use the 'Visualizations' pane to customize the appearance of each chart. For instance, you might use a bar chart to compare monthly sales across regions or a line graph to illustrate revenue trends over time. Customizing your visualizations ensures they are both informative and visually appealing. 4: Customize and Organize Your Dashboard Customizing your dashboard enhances its usability and ensures it aligns with the needs of your audience. Logical organization is key—place the most important metrics in prominent positions and group related visuals together. Power BI provides several formatting options to help you refine your dashboard, including: Adjusting colors and fonts to create a consistent theme Resizing and aligning visuals for a clean, professional layout Adding gridlines or borders to improve organization For example, applying a consistent color scheme across all visuals can make your dashboard look polished and cohesive. Additionally, consider labeling your visuals clearly to ensure users can quickly understand the data being presented. 5: Add Interactivity with Filters and Slicers Interactivity is one of the most powerful features of Power BI dashboards, allowing users to explore data dynamically. Adding filters and slicers enables users to focus on specific aspects of the data. Key interactive elements include: Filters: Apply these to individual visuals or the entire report to narrow down data based on specific criteria. Apply these to individual visuals or the entire report to narrow down data based on specific criteria. Slicers: Allow users to drill into specific categories, such as product lines, regions, or time periods. For instance, adding a slicer for 'Year' enables users to analyze trends for a specific time frame, while a filter for 'Region' allows them to focus on performance in a particular area. These interactive features make your dashboard more engaging and user-friendly, empowering stakeholders to explore the data in ways that are most relevant to them. 6: Publish and Share Your Dashboard Once your dashboard is complete, the final step is to publish and share it with your audience. In Power BI Desktop, click the 'Publish' button to upload your report to the Power BI Service. From there, you can: Generate a shareable link to distribute the dashboard to your team Embed the dashboard in platforms like Microsoft Teams or SharePoint for seamless collaboration Set permissions to control who can view or edit the dashboard Publishing your dashboard ensures that your insights are accessible to the right stakeholders, allowing data-driven decision-making across your organization. Additionally, the Power BI Service allows you to schedule data refreshes, making sure your dashboard remains up-to-date with the latest information. Building a Power BI dashboard in 10 minutes is a realistic goal when you follow a clear, step-by-step process. By connecting your data, preparing it, creating visualizations, and adding interactivity, you can design a dashboard that effectively communicates insights. Publishing and sharing your work ensures it reaches the right audience, empowering your team to make informed decisions. Whether you're analyzing sales performance, tracking operational metrics, or exploring customer behavior, Power BI provides the tools you need to turn data into actionable insights quickly and efficiently. Media Credit: Mo Chen Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
10 Data Visualization Tips & Tricks for Stunning Visuals
What makes a data visualization truly memorable? Is it the sleek design, the clever use of color, or the ability to distill complex information into something instantly understandable? The truth is, it's all of these—and more. In a world overflowing with data, creating visuals that not only capture attention but also convey meaning is both an art and a science. Yet, many professionals fall into common traps: cluttered charts, mismatched visuals, or designs that confuse rather than clarify. The good news? With a few thoughtful strategies, you can transform your data into visuals that are not just informative but also deeply impactful. Whether you're presenting to stakeholders, designing a dashboard, or crafting a report, mastering the principles of effective visualization is a fantastic option. In the video below Mo Chen takes us through 10 essential tips and tricks, you'll uncover the secrets to creating visuals that resonate. From choosing the right chart type to using colors strategically, each insight is designed to help you communicate your data with clarity and purpose. You'll learn how to tailor your visuals to your audience, highlight key insights without overwhelming the viewer, and even incorporate interactivity for a more engaging experience. But this isn't just about aesthetics—it's about making sure your message lands with precision and power. Ready to rethink how you approach data visualization? Let's explore the techniques that turn raw numbers into stories that stick. Essential Data Visualization Tips Understand Your Audience and Define Your Purpose The foundation of any successful data visualization lies in understanding your audience and defining the purpose of your visual. Consider the following questions: Who will be viewing this data? Are they technical experts or individuals with limited subject knowledge? Tailor your design to their level of expertise and specific needs. For example: Technical audiences: Detailed scatter plots or heatmaps may be more effective for conveying complex relationships. Detailed scatter plots or heatmaps may be more effective for conveying complex relationships. Non-technical audiences: Simplified bar charts or visually appealing infographics are often more accessible and engaging. Always align your visualization with the context in which it will be used. This ensures the message is both relevant and easy to understand, helping your audience derive meaningful insights. Select the Right Chart Type Choosing the appropriate chart type is critical to effectively communicating your data. Each chart type serves a specific purpose, and selecting the wrong one can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Consider these common chart types: Line charts: Best for illustrating trends or changes over time, such as sales growth or temperature fluctuations. Best for illustrating trends or changes over time, such as sales growth or temperature fluctuations. Bar charts: Ideal for comparing categories, such as revenue by region or product performance. Ideal for comparing categories, such as revenue by region or product performance. Pie charts: Useful for showing proportions, but should be used sparingly to avoid misrepresentation of data. Avoid overly complex or unconventional chart types unless they add significant value. Prioritize clarity and relevance to ensure your audience can easily interpret the data. 10 Essential Tips for Creating Stunning Data Visualizations Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on data visualization from our extensive range of articles. Keep It Simple and Focused Simplicity is a cornerstone of effective data visualization. Overloading your visual with unnecessary elements can distract from the core message and overwhelm your audience. To maintain focus: Remove excessive gridlines, decorative graphics, or redundant labels that do not add value. Use a clean and organized layout that highlights the most important information. For instance, a well-designed dashboard with minimal distractions allows decision-makers to quickly identify actionable metrics without confusion. By focusing on simplicity, you ensure your visuals are both engaging and easy to interpret. Use Colors Strategically Color is a powerful tool in data visualization, but it must be applied thoughtfully to enhance clarity and impact. Follow these guidelines to use color effectively: Limit your color palette: Too many colors can overwhelm the viewer. Stick to a cohesive and purposeful selection. Too many colors can overwhelm the viewer. Stick to a cohesive and purposeful selection. Use high-contrast colors: Ensure readability by applying bold colors for key data points and muted tones for less critical elements. Ensure readability by applying bold colors for key data points and muted tones for less critical elements. Highlight important insights: Draw attention to significant data points by using distinct colors while keeping the background neutral. Additionally, consider accessibility by using colorblind-friendly palettes and tools to ensure inclusivity for all viewers. Provide Clear Labels and Context Clear labels and context are essential for guiding your audience through the visualization. Without them, even the most visually appealing charts can become confusing. To ensure clarity: Use concise and descriptive labels for axes, data points, and legends. Include a meaningful title that summarizes the key takeaway of the visualization. Add annotations or callouts to highlight significant trends or milestones. For example, a line chart showing quarterly sales growth should include labeled axes, a descriptive title, and annotations for notable spikes or dips in performance. This approach ensures your audience can interpret the data without requiring additional explanation. Maximize the Data-to-Ink Ratio The data-to-ink ratio refers to the proportion of a visualization dedicated to meaningful data versus unnecessary design elements. A high data-to-ink ratio ensures that your visual is both efficient and impactful. To achieve this: Eliminate non-essential features such as 3D effects, decorative patterns, or excessive shading. Focus on flat, minimalist designs that emphasize the data itself. Every element in your visualization should serve a purpose. By maximizing the data-to-ink ratio, you create visuals that are clean, professional, and easy to interpret. Highlight Key Insights Drawing attention to the most critical aspects of your data ensures your audience focuses on the insights that matter most. Use design elements strategically to emphasize key points: Apply bold colors or distinct shapes to highlight significant data points. Include annotations or callouts to provide additional context for important trends or outliers. For example, if a bar chart reveals a significant revenue increase in a specific quarter, use a bold color or label to emphasize that bar. However, avoid overusing highlights, as this can dilute their impact and overwhelm the viewer. Incorporate Interactivity Interactive features can enhance engagement and allow users to explore data on their own terms. Consider incorporating the following interactive elements: Filters: Enable users to narrow down data by categories such as region, product, or time period. Enable users to narrow down data by categories such as region, product, or time period. Drill-downs: Allow viewers to explore detailed insights within broader trends. Allow viewers to explore detailed insights within broader trends. Hover-over details: Provide additional context or explanations without cluttering the visual. Interactivity enables your audience to uncover insights most relevant to their needs, making your visualizations more dynamic and user-friendly. Prioritize Accessibility Accessibility ensures your visualizations are inclusive and usable by a diverse audience. To make your designs accessible: Use color palettes that accommodate color vision deficiencies, such as colorblind-friendly options. Ensure font sizes are large enough for readability across different devices and screen sizes. Design visuals to be compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies. By prioritizing accessibility, you create visualizations that are effective and inclusive, making sure they can be understood and appreciated by all viewers. Seek Feedback and Iterate Continuous improvement is essential for creating effective data visualizations. Gather feedback from your audience to determine whether your visuals are clear, engaging, and aligned with their needs. For example: If users find a chart difficult to interpret, consider simplifying the layout or adding more context. Test your visuals with diverse audiences to identify potential areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your designs, making sure they remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with your audience's expectations over time. Media Credit: Mo Chen Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Is Domo (DOMO) Stock Rocketing Higher Today
Shares of data visualization and business intelligence company Domo (NASDAQ:DOMO) jumped 31.1% in the afternoon session after the company reported an impressive "beat and raise" quarter. First quarter 2025 results blew past analysts' EBITDA and earnings estimates while sales were in line. However, full year sales outlook was slightly lifted. Notably, operating margin turned positive, and the company maintained positive free cash flows during the quarter. Investors may also take note of the 24% rise in remaining performance obligations, a sign that demand is not just holding up but strengthening. Zooming out, we think this quarter featured some important positives. Is now the time to buy Domo? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. Domo's shares are very volatile and have had 26 moves greater than 5% over the last year. But moves this big are rare even for Domo and indicate this news significantly impacted the market's perception of the business. The previous big move we wrote about was 28 days ago when the stock gained 5.8% on the news that stocks extended their rebound, led by strong gains in the technology sector, as renewed optimism surrounding U.S.–China trade negotiations lifted investor sentiment. Contributing to the bullish tone was a standout earnings report from enterprise software leader ServiceNow, which topped Wall Street's expectations on RPO, profit and earnings. More importantly, the company's remaining performance obligations (RPO), a key forward-looking metric for future revenue, gave investors confidence that enterprise customers were not pulling back spending amidst uncertain macro. This optimism was further reinforced by solid results from Texas Instruments and Lam Research. Their performance was especially encouraging for semiconductor stocks, which had been under pressure due to their exposure to global trade tensions. These earnings results suggested that, despite macroeconomic uncertainties, demand in key tech verticals remained resilient. Domo is up 57.8% since the beginning of the year, and at $11.19 per share, has set a new 52-week high. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of Domo's shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $447.22. Today's young investors likely haven't read the timeless lessons in Gorilla Game: Picking Winners In High Technology because it was written more than 20 years ago when Microsoft and Apple were first establishing their supremacy. But if we apply the same principles, then enterprise software stocks leveraging their own generative AI capabilities may well be the Gorillas of the future. So, in that spirit, we are excited to present our Special Free Report on a profitable, fast-growing enterprise software stock that is already riding the automation wave and looking to catch the generative AI next.
Geeky Gadgets
13-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Make Your Data Pop with Custom Excel Stencils for Comparison Charts
Have you ever stared at a bland spreadsheet, wondering how to make your data truly stand out? In a world where visuals speak louder than numbers, creating charts that are both informative and captivating is no longer optional—it's essential. Imagine presenting a male vs. female comparison chart that doesn't just display data but tells a story, using sleek silhouettes and interactive elements to engage your audience. With a few creative techniques and the right tools, you can transform Excel from a basic number-crunching platform into a canvas for dynamic, visually stunning charts. And here's the best part: it's easier than you think, especially with the expert guidance of Chandoo, a master of Excel wizardry. In this step-by-step primer, you'll uncover how to design and integrate custom stencils into Excel to create comparison charts that are as functional as they are eye-catching. From crafting male and female silhouettes in PowerPoint to linking them seamlessly with your data, this guide will walk you through every detail. You'll also learn how to fine-tune your charts for maximum clarity and impact, making sure your visuals not only communicate insights but leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a data analyst, a marketer, or simply someone who loves to experiment with Excel, this tutorial will inspire you to think beyond the gridlines and reimagine what's possible. After all, the best charts don't just inform—they captivate. Creating Gender Comparison Charts Step 1: Designing Stencils in PowerPoint The foundation of your chart begins with creating stencils that represent male and female figures. PowerPoint is an ideal tool for this task due to its flexibility and precision. Follow these steps to design your stencils: Import Images: Start by importing high-quality male and female silhouette images into PowerPoint. Choose images with clear outlines for better results. Start by importing high-quality male and female silhouette images into PowerPoint. Choose images with clear outlines for better results. Convert to Shapes: Use PowerPoint's tools to transform the images into editable shapes, allowing for further customization. Use PowerPoint's tools to transform the images into editable shapes, allowing for further customization. Create Stencils: Subtract the shapes from a rectangle to form punch-hole stencils that can overlay your charts. Subtract the shapes from a rectangle to form punch-hole stencils that can overlay your charts. Refine Dimensions: Adjust the size, alignment, and proportions of the stencils to ensure they fit seamlessly into your Excel charts. These stencils will act as the visual elements that enhance your charts, making them more engaging and unique. Step 2: Refining Stencils for Scalability To ensure your stencils are versatile and reusable across different projects, focus on refining their design. Here's how to optimize them for scalability: Choose Clear Images: Select images with distinct and sharp outlines to maintain clarity when converted into shapes. Select images with distinct and sharp outlines to maintain clarity when converted into shapes. Optimize Orientation: Rotate or flip the shapes as needed to ensure proper alignment with your chart layout. Rotate or flip the shapes as needed to ensure proper alignment with your chart layout. Merge or Subtract Shapes: Use PowerPoint's shape tools to create polished and precise stencils that are visually appealing. Once the stencils are finalized, export them as image files or copy them directly into Excel for seamless integration. How to Make Cool Male vs Female Charts in Excel Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Excel charts : Step 3: Integrating Stencils with Excel Charts After creating and refining your stencils, the next step is to incorporate them into Excel charts. This process involves overlaying the stencils onto your chart and linking them to your data. Follow these steps: Import Stencils: Insert the stencils into Excel and position them over the chart's plot area. Ensure they align with the data points for a cohesive look. Insert the stencils into Excel and position them over the chart's plot area. Ensure they align with the data points for a cohesive look. Set Up Interactivity: Use data validation dropdowns to allow users to dynamically select categories, such as regions or demographics. Use data validation dropdowns to allow users to dynamically select categories, such as regions or demographics. Link Data: Apply Excel functions like XLOOKUP to retrieve male and female data based on the selected dropdown option. Apply Excel functions like XLOOKUP to retrieve male and female data based on the selected dropdown option. Align Elements: Carefully align the stencils with the chart elements to maintain a professional appearance. This integration transforms your chart into an interactive and visually engaging tool, offering meaningful insights while maintaining a polished design. Step 4: Customizing Your Charts Customization is key to making your charts both informative and visually appealing. Focus on these areas to enhance your charts: Chart Type: Use column charts to represent male and female data. Apply distinct colors or gradients to differentiate the two categories effectively. Use column charts to represent male and female data. Apply distinct colors or gradients to differentiate the two categories effectively. Optimize Layout: Adjust axis scaling, series overlap, and gap width to create a balanced and visually pleasing layout. Adjust axis scaling, series overlap, and gap width to create a balanced and visually pleasing layout. Enhance Readability: Add data labels and format them for clarity, such as rounding numbers to thousands or millions for easier interpretation. These adjustments ensure that your charts are not only visually striking but also easy to understand for your audience. Step 5: Adding Final Touches Before presenting your charts, take the time to perfect the finer details. This step ensures your visuals are polished and ready for professional use. Key areas to address include: Fine-Tune Axis Limits: Adjust axis limits and label positions to improve the overall readability of your chart. Adjust axis limits and label positions to improve the overall readability of your chart. Align Stencils: Double-check that the stencils are precisely aligned with the chart's plot area for a seamless design. Double-check that the stencils are precisely aligned with the chart's plot area for a seamless design. Test Interactivity: Verify that dropdown functionality works as intended and updates the data dynamically without errors. These final adjustments ensure your charts are presentation-ready and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Expanding Applications: Beyond Gender Comparisons The stencil technique and Excel integration process are not limited to male vs. female comparisons. They can be adapted to a variety of datasets and use cases, making them a versatile tool for data visualization. Consider these applications: Product Comparisons: Visualize sales performance across different regions, product categories, or time periods. Visualize sales performance across different regions, product categories, or time periods. Demographic Analysis: Analyze distributions such as age groups, income levels, or other demographic data for targeted insights. Analyze distributions such as age groups, income levels, or other demographic data for targeted insights. Interactive Reports: Create dynamic dashboards for stakeholders, combining data insights with engaging visuals to enhance decision-making. By applying this method to different contexts, you can create impactful charts tailored to your specific needs, making sure your data presentations are both informative and visually compelling. Media Credit: Chandoo Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
