In its ongoing effort to expand the reach of analytics to more consumers, Microsoft BI consultancy recently announced a new data storytelling functionality for Power BI development during its virtual user conference.
Power BI reports: what matters most?
The Power BI service is focused on three main pillars:
- Power Query— where you upload, clean, and convert your data sources
- Data Model & DAX, where you make connections and measure how your report performs.
- Visualizations— where you describe the user’s access to data
Now, the Power BI report is based on the result of all three pillars, and not the sum. It implies that if the value of any of these pillars is equal to 0, the value of the study would also be 0.
If your Power Query is weak, your data will be sloppy or not configured for your intent. If your model fails to comply with best practise modelling, the star schema and each DAX formula will become an Everest-like hike; If your visualizations are poor or too difficult to grasp, users are sure to give up on it.
Summing up: if your report doesn’t work as a whole, it’s going to be worthless and will be quickly forgotten.
Data Story Teller
The data storyteller is a hybrid entity: half a specialist and half a functional figure— half an artist and half a researcher.
If you ignore best practise, the report would be aesthetically gorgeous yet challenging to use. Many companies are ready to become data-driven. Resources such as Power BI allow them to create insights into the data to achieve this goal. But when used without caution, these methods can have the complete opposite effect as screens loaded with charts and tables, and figures render the end-user totally confused instead of empowered. To support, we’ve compiled some tips to make you a better storyteller of data through leveraging the power of bi development.
Sketch your storyline
If you’re going to document a report, think about its intent first. Do you want to see the differences in conduct between groups of customers? Or would you like to build a 360-degree consumer profile?
Define the purpose of your report in one sentence. Then draw a diagram of how your dashboard might look like based on the details that need to be in to realize this one-sentence target.
Make use of templates.
Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch each time you are building a report using the Power BI service. Mindfully designed templates not only look appealing to users but also ensure that filtering is clearly indicated and that the number of panels you can use on the screen is reduced. Using prototypes can make it easier for you to construct a clear data narrative.
Account for data literacy
Bear in mind that your story created through Power BI development should also be easy to follow even for those who are less acquainted with your data. Don’t go wild by scrolling through paths or graphs that look pretty stylish but are really unnecessarily complex. Stick to simple and well-known graph forms, such as bars or lines. This will make sure that everyone understands your data.