2. Let’s Get Visual: The Art of Report Design
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
DBI334
Let’s Get Visual: The Art of Report Design
Paul Turley
Mentor|SQL Server MVP
SolidQ
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

3. Types of Reports and Analytics
Operational Reporting
Strategic Analytic Reporting
Tactical Analytic Reporting
Prepared Reports
User-driven Analytics
Enterprise Portals & Dashboards
Department & Functional Portals

4. Principles of Report Design
Visual Design Skills
Function
Form
Fit
Functional Business Skills
Technical Development Skills
Images from personal clipart library

5. Principles of Effective Design
Know Your Audience
Prioritize Objectives
Maintain Balance
Consider Trade-Offs: super reports & simple reports
Don’t take visuals too far
Use POCs & throw them away
Get a Second Opinion
Accept Feedback
Be Willing to Learn

6. Dashboards & Sparklines
Edward Tufte: "small, high resolution graphics embedded in a context of words, numbers, images".
Chart with no cluttered details, scales or labels.
These are sparklines
Complete context should be provided in a drill-through, pop-up or separate chart on the dashboard.
Images from my own stock & Bonavista Systems
These aren’t sparklines

7. Sparklines and Report Parts
with Report Builder
Demo

8. Dashboard Examples
Image used with permission, client logo removed

9. Dashboard Examples
Image used with permission, client logo removed

10. Report Examples
Image used with permission, client logo removed

11. Styling & Color
Styling & image are more important than many technical experts can realize
Establish standards before report design
Use subtle colors for styling
User bold colors for alerts & exceptions
People can distinguish 16 shades of a single color, 5-8 very easily
Combine colors & shapes for color blindness
Consult experts for color coordination
Brain image c/o Myrna Leigh Cohn
ColourLovers.com

12. Designing & Using an Interactive Dashboard
with PerformancePoint Services
Demo

13. Visual Reports Scorecard with integrated map
The “Australian Sparkline”
Images form my own stock

14. Business Intelligence
Let’s talk about Self-Service Reporting
SharePoint
Excel & Excel Services
PowerPivot
Performance Point
Report Builder
BI Semantic Models
Project Crescent

15. Next Generation Self-service BI
Project Crescent user experience
BI Semantic Models
Alerting
Images: Microsoft, used with permission

16. Consulting the Experts
Edward Tufte
Stephen Few
Use screen space effectively
Don’t clutter, leave white space
Deliver the most important message first
Keep it simple
Don’t insult the user’s intelligence by over-simplifying
Use color in meaningful context
Don’t over-use visuals & metaphors

17. Please Don’t Scream Rather than yelling, reduce the noise
Bring important data to the surface
Reduce borders, effects & background fills
Image: flikr.com

18. Too Much or Too Little? Going to extremes
Does “dashboard” really mean that it has to look like the CEO’s Jaguar?
Use gauges and metaphors as appropriate but consider the best use of screen space & readability
Can an executive business user consume this information in 5 seconds?
All images are from my own stock
What were the sales for FR, UK, Australia & Germany in 2001 & 2002?
Are 3-D charts really THAT cool?

19. Report Navigation Controls
Too Much or Too Little?
Report Navigation Controls
Images: Microsoft, used with permission
These designs may be completely appropriate for their user audience

20. Too Much or Too Little? Maintain balance
Charts and visuals used conservatively and with purpose and completely appropriate and add business value.
Pie chart with Collected Slices (used to group into “Other” slice)
Images from my own stock

21. Styled Dashboard
in SharePoint 2010
Demo

22. Bottom Line Simple is Sexy Know your audience
Reduce the noise – bring important data to the surface
Executive analytical reports: 5 second consumption
Operational analytic reports: enable deep exploration
Don’t insult user’s intelligence by over-simplifying
Balance: Form, Fit & Function

23. Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Deadlines & Resources
Thank you for taking part in TechEd North America Below is a list of key dates and resources:
Important Content Deadlines – detailed instructions are found on the Speaker Portal at
March 21 at Noon: Upload a DRAFT of your PPT for subject-matter expert (SME) review.
March 21 to April 8: CONTENT REVIEW (track specific instructions are found on the speaker portal)
May 10 at 5 pm PDT: Upload FINAL PPT presentation on the Speaker Portal. This is the version that you will use at the event.
YOUR PROMPT FINAL PPT SUBMISSION IS APPRECIATED.
No design support will be offered onsite.
Slide Design Resources – Located on the Speaker Portal (graphics, webinar, etc.)
If you include any third-party photography or art, licensing information and permission must be credited in the PPT or it will be deleted.
Points of Contact
Direct presentation questions to
Direct content questions to your Track PM
PRINTING: This template is intentionally set to print in color or grayscale, not black and white
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.
MICROSOFT CONFIDENTIAL
© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

24. Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Scrub Checklist
Upload your final deck on the speaker portal on or before May 10, 2011 at 5 pm PDT.
PowerPoint presentations undergo a brief scrub process and are posted to CommNet for attendee access at least 48 hours prior to the session. No design support will be available onsite.
The Scrub Process will:
Verify that required slides are included
Remove any non-template logos and graphics from the walk-in slide
Remove all comments, hidden slides and speaker notes from slides
Set file properties box
Reset printability to grayscale
Notify Presentation Manager of any images identified as unlicensed for escalation
Rename files to match naming convention
Correct session title and session code to match printed Mini Guide and Schedule Builder
Speakers:
Use the provided event template and associated colors, fonts, layout and transition slides
Correct product names to follow applicable branding rules
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

25. Related Content The BI Power Hour
Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Related Content
The BI Power Hour
OSP 205 – Creating Self-Service BI Applications in SharePoint 2010
DBI 206 – What’s new in “Denali” for SSAS and PowerPivot
DBI 211 – What’s new in “Denali” for SSRS
DBI 335 – Advanced BI using Excel and Excel Services
DBI 328 – Integrating SSRS with SharePoint
DBI 321 – Advanced Dashboard Creating using PPS
DBI 273 INT – Real-World BI with Stein Mart
Find Me Later At…Microsoft Business Intelligence Booths
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

26. Track Resources SqlServerBiBlog.com – my blog
Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Track Resources
SqlServerBiBlog.com – my blog
Reporting Services Recipes book – Wrox Press
PerceptualEdge.com – Stephen Few
ColourLovers.com
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

27. What’s Next? Follow, Tweet and Enter to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle
Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
What’s Next?
Follow, Tweet and Enter to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle
GAME ON! Join us at the top of every hour at the BI booth to compete in the Crescent Puzzle Challenge and Win Prizes
Sign up to be notified when the next CTP is available at: microsoft.com/sqlserver
and tweet your thoughts on the session, visit the Business Intelligence kiosk to show your tweet and enter for your chance to win 1 of 2 Xbox Kinect Bundles!
Join the Conversation
@MicrosoftBI
/MicrosoftBI
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

28. Resources Learning http://northamerica.msteched.com
Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Resources
Connect. Share. Discuss.
Learning
Sessions On-Demand & Community
Microsoft Certification & Training Resources
Resources for IT Professionals
Resources for Developers
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

29. Complete an evaluation on CommNet and enter to win!
Tech Ed North America 2010
4/10/2017 8:51 AM
Complete an evaluation on CommNet and enter to win!
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

30. Tech Ed North America 2010 4/10/2017 8:51 AM
New for TechEd 2011, we will be working with Microsoft Tag ( to create unique Tags for every session at the event. Your session Tag will appear on both the room signage and at the end of your presentation. With your session Tag, attendees will be able to scan as they enter the room to retrieve session details, view speaker bios, and engage in discussions; or scan at the end of the presentation to evaluate your session and download materials. We’re excited to integrate Microsoft Tag across the My TechEd mobile experience this year.
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.