Dashboard Week is one of the most intense (but also incredibly rewarding!) challenges in the Data School experience. Each day, we receive a new topic to create a dashboard on, which we then present the following day. And, yes, write a blog about it too! Here are my top tips to help you stay on top of it and make the most of this unique week.
Tip 1: Timeboxing is key
One of the most crucial survival strategies during Dashboard Week is timeboxing. It’s tempting to spend hours tweaking every little detail, but the clock is ticking! Set strict time limits for each phase of your process, whether it’s data prep, exploration, or dashboard design. Knowing when to move on is essential, especially on the last day when you’ll only have around 5 hours to get everything done. Set a target for yourself at each stage and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect.
Tip 2: Find a story to focus on
Rather than just presenting data and overview, you’ll need to uncover a story from the data, dashboard week is all about storytelling. So, take a moment to explore the data and identify something intriguing before jumping right into dashboard creation. Unlike the typical business dashboards you may be used to, Dashboard Week lets you to be a bit more creative with topics and style, so it can be really fun! This is your chance to make something memorable, whether it’s a unique pattern you find in the data or an interesting way to present it visually.
Tip 3: Experiment, but know your limits
This week is a great chance to push your skills and try something new. Even though time is tight, adding a unique visualization style or an advanced calculation can make your work stand out. Just remember to balance creativity with practicality, know when a new idea is helping or when it’s slowing you down. The goal is to make dashboards that look polished but also meaningful and engaging for your audience.
Tip 4: Share and Learn with Your Cohort
Dashboard Week can be challenging, and going through it with your cohort is a huge advantage. While you’ll each be working on your own unique ideas, offering each other encouragement and sharing general tips can make a big difference. Sometimes, a quick chat or a bit of moral support from someone who’s also in the thick of it is all you need to stay motivated and keep going strong.
Tip 5: Get enough rest and take care of yourself
Dashboard Week is intense, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re not careful. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and taking small breaks. A clear mind is essential, especially when creating five dashboards back-to-back! Looking after yourself will help you stay sharp and focused for the entire week. Trust me; your brain and your dashboards will thank you. 😊
Dashboard Week is tough, but it’s also a great chance to learn, get creative, and see what you’re capable of. It taught me a lot and gave me a chance to build creative dashboards. So, take it one day at a time, enjoy the process, and be proud of everything you accomplish. Good luck, and don’t’ forget to celebrate at the end, you’ll deserve it!
