Free Interactive Checklist
Dashboard Design Audit Checklist
Score your dashboards across 40 best practices. Identify gaps in purpose, data quality, visual design, usability, and actionability.
Audit Progress
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Purpose & Audience
Is the dashboard designed for its intended users and goals?
Clear primary purpose defined
The dashboard has one clear objective (e.g., monitor KPIs, track progress, identify issues).
Target audience identified
You know exactly who will use this dashboard and their role/responsibilities.
Key questions answered
The dashboard directly answers 3-5 critical business questions users have.
Appropriate level of detail
Detail level matches audience (executive summary vs. operational detail).
No scope creep
Dashboard stays focused and doesn't try to answer every possible question.
Usage frequency considered
Design accounts for how often users will view it (daily check vs. weekly review).
Success metrics defined
You can measure if the dashboard is achieving its purpose.
Data Quality & Accuracy
Is the underlying data trustworthy and well-managed?
Data sources documented
Users can see where data comes from (system, database, refresh frequency).
Last refresh timestamp visible
Users know exactly when data was last updated.
Metric definitions clear
Calculations are documented with no ambiguity about what numbers mean.
Data validated regularly
Numbers have been verified against source systems.
Missing data handled gracefully
Blanks and nulls are treated appropriately, not hidden or causing errors.
Consistent time periods
Comparisons use matching time frames (YoY, MoM are calculated correctly).
Numbers add up correctly
Totals, percentages, and breakdowns are mathematically accurate.
Visual Design
Is the dashboard easy to read and visually effective?
Appropriate chart types
Each visualization uses the right chart for the data (bars for comparison, lines for trends).
Minimal chart junk
No unnecessary gridlines, borders, 3D effects, or decorative elements.
Consistent color scheme
Colors are used purposefully and consistently throughout.
Color-blind accessible
Dashboard doesn't rely solely on red/green to convey meaning.
Readable text sizes
Labels, titles, and values are large enough to read without squinting.
Effective use of whitespace
Dashboard isn't cramped with breathing room between elements.
Visual hierarchy established
Most important information is most prominent (size, position, color).
Fits on one screen
Key insights visible without scrolling (at least on primary display).
Usability & Navigation
Can users find what they need quickly and easily?
Intuitive filter placement
Filters are easy to find and understand what they control.
Filter state visible
Users can see which filters are currently applied.
Easy reset/clear filters
One-click option to return to default view.
Logical layout flow
Information flows naturally (left-to-right, top-to-bottom, or by importance).
Drill-down capability
Users can click to get more detail when needed.
Mobile-friendly (if needed)
Dashboard works on mobile devices if users access it that way.
Actionability
Does the dashboard drive decisions and actions?
Targets/benchmarks included
Context provided for what "good" vs. "bad" looks like.
Alerts for exceptions
Problems or outliers are visually highlighted (conditional formatting).
Trends visible
Not just current values. Direction of change is clear.
Comparisons provided
Current vs. previous period, actual vs. plan, or similar context.
Root cause accessible
When something's wrong, users can investigate why.
Clear next steps
Dashboard leads to action and users know what to do with the information.
Performance & Technical
Does the dashboard work reliably and efficiently?
Loads in under 10 seconds
Initial load and filter changes don't cause long waits.
Refresh schedule appropriate
Data freshness matches user needs (real-time vs. daily vs. weekly).
Access permissions set
Right people have access; sensitive data is protected.
Error handling in place
Dashboard handles data issues gracefully, shows helpful error messages.
Export/share functionality
Users can export data or share dashboard views when needed.
Maintenance plan exists
Someone owns the dashboard and keeps it updated.
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