Week 8 · Adaptive Planning Program

36. Data Visualization and Dashboards

30 min

By the end you'll be able to

Apply data visualization best practices
Design dashboards for program monitoring
Balance comprehensiveness with clarity in data presentation

Data must be visible to be actionable. This lesson covers the principles of dashboard design, teaching you how to create automated reports that stakeholders can understand at a glance.

We emphasize the concept of the “data-ink ratio,” training you to avoid clutter and focus purely on the visual elements that convey critical information for program monitoring.

Practice quiz

Question 1
What does the ‘data-ink ratio’ principle teach dashboard designers to do?
- Maximize colorful decorations to keep stakeholders engaged
- Use as much ink as possible to fill empty space
- Avoid clutter and focus on visual elements that convey critical information
- Print dashboards in black and white only
Question 2
According to the lesson, what is the core purpose of an effective dashboard?
- To replace the need for any written reports
- To produce automated reports stakeholders can understand at a glance
- To store raw datasets for archival purposes
- To impress funders with the complexity of the analysis
Reflection 3
Why does the lesson argue that ‘data must be visible to be actionable’?

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