Business Dashboard Design Checklist
A checklist for building dashboards that support decisions instead of becoming another reporting burden.
Working record
| Check | What to do | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Name the intended reader, their starting knowledge and the decision they need help making. | The audience record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
| Metrics | Use one population and period for the comparison. A changed denominator can create an apparent improvement without a change in performance. | Definition, source query and a reconciled example. |
| Ownership | Name the person who can approve the decision and the person who carries out the next action. A team name alone can leave the handoff unclear. | Named decision owner, action owner and review date. |
| Cadence | Set a review interval that matches how quickly the underlying work changes. Name the person responsible. | The cadence record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
| Action | Specify the next decision or task, its owner and the condition that triggers it. | The action record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
Review the decision
A checklist for building dashboards that support decisions instead of becoming another reporting burden. Keep audience, metrics, ownership attached to the conclusion so the next owner can challenge the assumptions. Resolve missing evidence before treating this record as approval.
Continue the decision
How to Build a Simple Marketing Measurement System · How to Price a Service Without Guessing.
Calculation and source notes
Keep the displayed formula, input units and model scope with the result. Corrections or questions can be sent through the request section on this page.
Content updated: October 11, 2026