Tableau 2018.3 is currently in Beta with a range of new features, all of which can be found here. I am looking specifically at the new dashboard navigation action. Previously you would have to create a filter action that does not apply any filtering, but now they have a specific action that will allow you navigate through your content and tell a story. The new action also makes it possible to move to a sheet or story. They still however have some of the limitations of the old system, it does not deselect the option.
Navigation Actions
Like before you need to create a sheet for the action to be selected. In the image above I have created two sheets that only have a string on them that can be selected. They have also added a button dashboard element that can replace these but are unreliable in the current beta version.
How to Create a Navigation Action
Dashboard Action
To create a navigation action bring up the dashboard action menu (shown above). Click the add action button and select the go to sheet option.
Navigation Action
This will bring up the navigation action menu (shown above). It is very similar to the filter menu that was previously used, but does not have the filter options at the bottom. Instead has a target sheet option which allows you to select the object you would like to navigate to. Give it an appropriate name, confirm your choices and it is as simple as that.
The navigation action is another good quality of life feature added to Tableau in the upcoming 2018.3 release. It does not add much more functionality over the current method of using filter actions. But does allow you to now navigate to individual sheets and stories. The best reason for it to be a separate action is that when working on a dashboard that has lots of different actions it will be a lot more clear that they are for navigation and not filtering.
