In this section, we will explore how to create dashboards in Tableau. Dashboards are a powerful way to present multiple visualizations and data insights in a single, cohesive view. They allow users to interact with the data and gain deeper insights through a combination of charts, graphs, and other visual elements.

1. Dashboard Layout: Understanding the layout options and how to arrange visualizations.
2. Adding Sheets to a Dashboard: How to add individual sheets to a dashboard.
3. Dashboard Objects: Using text, images, web pages, and other objects in a dashboard.
4. Interactivity: Adding filters, actions, and other interactive elements.
5. Design Best Practices: Tips for creating effective and visually appealing dashboards.

Tableau provides several layout options to help you organize your visualizations effectively.

• Tiled Layout: Objects are arranged in a grid, and resizing one object affects the others.
• Floating Layout: Objects can be placed anywhere on the dashboard and resized independently.

To add sheets to a dashboard:

1. Open Tableau and navigate to the dashboard tab.
2. Click on the "New Dashboard" button.
3. Drag and drop sheets from the "Sheets" pane onto the dashboard workspace.

Tableau allows you to add various objects to your dashboard:

• Text: Add titles, descriptions, or annotations.
• Images: Include logos, icons, or other images.
• Web Page: Embed a web page within the dashboard.
• Blank: Add blank space to control the layout.

Enhance your dashboard with interactive elements:

• Filters: Add filters to allow users to interact with the data.
• Actions: Create actions to link sheets, filter data, or highlight specific data points.

• Consistency: Use consistent colors, fonts, and styles.
• Clarity: Ensure that the dashboard is easy to understand.
• Focus: Highlight the most important data points.
• Interactivity: Make the dashboard interactive to engage users.

Let's create a simple dashboard with two visualizations: a bar chart and a line chart.

1. Bar Chart: Create a bar chart showing sales by region.
2. Line Chart: Create a line chart showing sales over time.

1. Click on the "New Dashboard" button.
2. Drag the bar chart and line chart sheets onto the dashboard workspace.
3. Arrange the charts using the tiled layout.

1. Add a filter to the bar chart to allow users to filter by region.
2. Create an action to highlight the corresponding data points in the line chart when a bar is selected.

Task: Create a dashboard with the following requirements:

1. A bar chart showing sales by product category.
2. A line chart showing sales over time.
3. Add a filter to the bar chart to filter by product category.
4. Create an action to highlight the corresponding data points in the line chart when a bar is selected.

1. Create the bar chart and line chart as described.
2. Create a new dashboard and add the charts.
3. Add the filter to the bar chart.
4. Create the action to highlight data points in the line chart.

• Overloading the Dashboard: Avoid adding too many visualizations, which can overwhelm users.
• Inconsistent Design: Maintain a consistent design to make the dashboard look professional.
• Lack of Interactivity: Ensure that the dashboard is interactive to engage users.

Creating dashboards in Tableau allows you to present multiple visualizations in a single view, providing a comprehensive overview of your data. By following best practices and adding interactivity, you can create effective and engaging dashboards that help users gain deeper insights into the data. In the next section, we will explore dashboard actions in more detail.