In data analytics, presenting to clients is not always about showcasing magnificent dashboards. Demonstrating how you processed and transformed the data is integral to certain projects. For example, you may be handing over an Alteryx workflow to a client for their team to use and maintain. By ensuring they understand the data pipeline, you can confidently wrap up a project knowing it is sustainable for the client. This may be as significant as your solution itself. So, how can you most effectively present Alteryx workflows? This blog will provide five key tips using my solution to an Alteryx weekly challenge.
1) Use Containers
Containers provide a method for segmenting your workflow into distinct stages. You can add containers as you develop your workflow or at the end. They can also be added in multiple ways. One method is to select all tools from the Canvas you want to add to a container, right-click on one of these tools, and select Add To New Container.
Alternatively, you can drag on a Container Tool from the Documentation Tab or the Search Bar then drag tools inside the new container.
You can format a container’s caption, colour, and other features in its configuration window. Click the container’s caption to open its Configuration Window if it’s closed.
2) Use Annotations in Each Tool
Alteryx will automatically assign annotations to some tools based on their configuration. However, not all tools get annotated, and some annotations aren’t very intuitive. For example, take the following:
These filter tools do the same thing, but which is easier to understand at a glance?
To ensure your workflow can be understood, you can add and edit annotations in any tool by clicking the tool, clicking the annotation icon, and writing a short clear description.
Note: not all tools necessarily need annotations if they aren’t a significant component of your workflow, but it may be nice to have depending on your audience.
3) Clean up the layout
Clean workflows assist your audience to follow along with your presentation. Conversely, a messy workflow, or a workflow with unused tools, can hinder your audience’s understanding. Avoid this by removing unused tools that made their way into your workflow during development (browse tools aren’t necessary to get rid of if they help clarify changes to your workflow).
Also, utilise the Distribute Horizontally, Distribute Vertically, Align Horizontally, and Align Vertically options. These can be found by selecting the desired tools in your workflow, right-clicking, and selecting the relevant option.
4) Use Comments when Necessary
Comments are another useful way to add explanations to your workspace. Comments, unlike annotations, are not confined to tools and can be dragged anywhere on the canvas. Like the Container tool, these can be found in the Documentation tab or by using the Search Bar at the top of the screen.
Bonus: If, for any reason, you want to add an image to your workflow, this can be done in a comment tool (see the blue boxes in the image above).
5) RUN THE WORKFLOW BEFORE PRESENTING
If your workflow takes a while to run, it may be a smart idea to run it before presenting. No one wants to wait around while your computer is getting things ready, or worse, potentially crashes. Hopefully, you know how to run the workflow… right? Just in case, you can either click the blue button at the top right of the canvas that says Run or hold CTR and press R to run the workflow.
Bonus – Use ZoomIt
While presenting, you can make things on your screen stand out by using ZoomIt. With ZoomIt you can zoom in on key components of the workflow, or draw on the screen to direct your audience’s attention. ZoomIt has been featured throughout this blog in many screenshots!
To download ZoomIt, you can use this link. To learn how to use ZoomIt, you can watch this video.
If you have found this blog to be helpful, feel free to check out my page and browse my other blogs.
