DBI334: Lets Get Visual: The Art of Report Design

1Lets Get Visual: The Art of Report DesignPaul TurleyMentor|SQL Server MVPSolidQDBI3345/15/2011 9:13 AM 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2Types of Reports and AnalyticsOperational ReportingStrategic Analytic ReportingTactical Analytic ReportingPrepared ReportsUser-driven AnalyticsEnterprise Portals & DashboardsDepartment & Functional PortalsPrinciples of Report DesignFunctionFormFitVisual Design SkillsFunctional Business SkillsTechnical Development Skills

Images from personal clipart library4Principles of Effective DesignKnow Your AudiencePrioritize ObjectivesMaintain BalanceConsider Trade-Offs: super reports & simple reportsDont take visuals too farUse POCs & throw them awayGet a Second OpinionAccept FeedbackBe Willing to Learn5Dashboards & Sparklines6These arent sparklines

Edward Tufte: "small, high resolution graphics embedded in a context of words, numbers, images".

These are sparklinesChart with no cluttered details, scales or labels.Complete context should be provided in a drill-through, pop-up or separate chart on the dashboard.Images from my own stock & Bonavista Systems6DemoSparklines and Report Partswith Report BuilderDashboard Examples

Image used with permission, client logo removed8Dashboard Examples9

Image used with permission, client logo removed

9Report Examples

Image used with permission, client logo removed

10Styling & ColorStyling & image are more important than many technical experts can realizeEstablish standards before report designUse subtle colors for stylingUser bold colors for alerts & exceptionsPeople can distinguish 16 shades of a single color, 5-8 very easilyCombine colors & shapes for color blindnessConsult experts for color coordination

ColourLovers.comBrain image c/o Myrna Leigh Cohn11Designing & Using an Interactive Dashboardwith PerformancePoint ServicesDemoVisual Reports13

The Australian Sparkline

Scorecard with integrated map

Images form my own stock13Business IntelligenceLets talk about Self-Service ReportingSharePointExcel & Excel ServicesPowerPivotPerformance PointReport BuilderBI Semantic ModelsProject Crescent14Next Generation Self-service BIProject Crescent user experienceBI Semantic ModelsAlerting

Images: Microsoft, used with permission15Consulting the ExpertsEdward TufteStephen FewUse screen space effectivelyDont clutter, leave white spaceDeliver the most important message firstKeep it simpleDont insult the users intelligence by over-simplifyingUse color in meaningful contextDont over-use visuals & metaphors16Please Dont ScreamRather than yelling, reduce the noiseBring important data to the surfaceReduce borders, effects & background fills

Image: flikr.com17Too Much or Too Little?Going to extremes18

Can an executive business user consume this information in 5 seconds?Does dashboard really mean that it has to look like the CEOs Jaguar?Are 3-D charts really THAT cool?

Use gauges and metaphors as appropriate but consider the best use of screen space & readabilityWhat were the sales for FR, UK, Australia & Germany in 2001 & 2002?All images are from my own stock18Too Much or Too Little?19

Report Navigation ControlsImages: Microsoft, used with permissionThese designs may be completely appropriate for their user audience19Too Much or Too Little?Maintain balance20

Charts and visuals used conservatively and with purpose and completely appropriate and add business value.Pie chart with Collected Slices (used to group into Other slice)Images from my own stock20Styled Dashboardin SharePoint 2010DemoBottom LineSimple is SexyKnow your audienceReduce the noise bring important data to the surfaceExecutive analytical reports: 5 second consumptionOperational analytic reports: enable deep explorationDont insult users intelligence by over-simplifyingBalance: Form, Fit & Function

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Deadlines & ResourcesThank you for taking part in TechEd North America 2011. Below is a list of key dates and resources:

Important Content Deadlines detailed instructions are found on the Speaker Portal at https://northamerica.msteched.com/signin:March 21 at Noon: Upload a DRAFT of your PPT for subject-matter expert (SME) review.March 21 to April 8: CONTENT REVIEW (track specific instructions are found on the speaker portal)May 10 at 5 pm PDT: Upload FINAL PPT presentation on the Speaker Portal. This is the version that you will use at the event.YOUR PROMPT FINAL PPT SUBMISSION IS APPRECIATED. No design support will be offered onsite.

Slide Design Resources Located on the Speaker Portal (graphics, webinar, etc.)If you include any third-party photography or art, licensing information and permission must be credited in the PPT or it will be deleted.

Points of ContactDirect presentation questions to tespkr@microsoft.com Direct content questions to your Track PM

PRINTING: This template is intentionally set to print in color or grayscale, not black and whiteTech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:04 AMMICROSOFT CONFIDENTIAL 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.23 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

Scrub ChecklistUpload your final deck on the speaker portal on or before May 10, 2011 at 5 pm PDT.

PowerPoint presentations undergo a brief scrub process and are posted to CommNet for attendee accessat least 48 hours prior to the session. No design support will be available onsite.

The Scrub Process will:Verify that required slides are includedRemove any non-template logos and graphics from the walk-in slide Remove all comments, hidden slides and speaker notes from slides Set file properties boxReset printability to grayscale Notify Presentation Manager of any images identified as unlicensed for escalationRename files to match naming conventionCorrect session title and session code to match printed Mini Guide and Schedule Builder

Speakers:Use the provided event template and associated colors, fonts, layout and transition slidesCorrect product names to follow applicable branding rules

24Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:04 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

Related ContentThe BI Power HourOSP 205 Creating Self-Service BI Applications in SharePoint 2010DBI 206 Whats new in Denali for SSAS and PowerPivotDBI 211 Whats new in Denali for SSRSDBI 335 Advanced BI using Excel and Excel ServicesDBI 328 Integrating SSRS with SharePointDBI 321 Advanced Dashboard Creating using PPSDBI 273 INT Real-World BI with Stein MartFind Me Later AtMicrosoft Business Intelligence Booths25Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:04 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

Track ResourcesSqlServerBiBlog.com my blogReporting Services Recipes book Wrox PressPerceptualEdge.com Stephen FewColourLovers.com26Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:04 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

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27Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:14 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

Resourceswww.microsoft.com/techedSessions On-Demand & Community

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Learninghttp://northamerica.msteched.comConnect. Share. Discuss.

28Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:14 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

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29Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:14 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

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30Tech Ed North America 20105/15/2011 9:14 AM 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

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