Dashboard
DASH-bord
/ˈdæʃbɔːrd/
A graphical user interface which often provides at-a-glance views of key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to a particular objective or business process.
In data contexts, a 'dashboard' is a visual display of key metrics and data visualizations, designed to provide a quick, comprehensive overview of performance or status.
The story behind the word. The word 'dashboard' originally referred to a board placed at the front of a horse-drawn carriage to protect the driver from mud and stones 'dashed' up by the horses' hooves. Later, it became the panel in a car containing instruments and controls. Its modern data-related meaning emerged in the early 2000s, drawing an analogy to the car dashboard providing critical information at a glance.
Word relationships
- Control panel: More general, can refer to physical controls; 'dashboard' is specifically a visual display of information.
- Scorecard: Often a simpler, more static report of key metrics, less interactive than a dashboard.
- Monitor: Can refer to the screen itself or the act of observing; 'dashboard' is the specific graphical interface.
- Raw data: Unprocessed, unorganized facts, not a visual summary.
- Detailed report: A comprehensive document with extensive text and tables, as opposed to an 'at-a-glance' visual summary.
Commonly confused with
- Report: A 'report' is typically a static document, often text-heavy, providing detailed information. A 'dashboard' is an interactive, visual interface designed for quick, real-time monitoring of key metrics.
Collocations
- create a dashboard
- interactive dashboard
- analytics dashboard
- sales dashboard
- performance dashboard
Example sentences
- "The project manager reviewed the online dashboard to track the team's progress and identify any delays." In a project management meeting.
- "Our marketing dashboard shows real-time data on website traffic, conversion rates, and campaign performance." From a marketing department.
- "The car's digital dashboard displayed speed, fuel level, and navigation information clearly." In a car review.
Memory hook
A 'DASHBOARD' gives you a quick 'DASH' of important information on a 'BOARD' (screen). DASH of info on BOARD
When not to use
Do not use 'dashboard' to refer to a simple chart or a single data point. It implies a collection of visualizations and metrics.
Fun facts
- The first known use of 'dashboard' in the context of business intelligence was in 2001 by Stephen Few, a prominent expert in data visualization.
- Modern dashboards are often interactive, allowing users to filter data, drill down into details, and customize their views.
Related words
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