What is Tableau?
Tableau is the fastest-growing platform for visual analytics on the market. It allows users to simplify raw data into a format that’s easy to access and understand by those working at any level of an organization. Even non-technical Tableau users can create customized dashboards and worksheets with the help of this versatile tool. It’s relied on by teachers, students, Data Scientists, Analysts, executives, and business owners for their end-to-end analytics needs. This is why Tableau is considered to be the leading analytics platform for business intelligence.
Since its founding in 2003, Tableau has evolved from a computer science project of students at Stanford into one of the most widely used data visualization tools in existence. Tableau was created as a way to improve analysis flow and use visualizations to make data more accessible. This value continues to inform Tableau’s evolution. Currently, Tableau offers a complete and integrated platform for data analytics. It provides its customers with the necessary resources to help them thrive in a data-driven culture.
Some of Tableau’s most remarkable features include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. Because Tableau does not require programming skills or technical expertise to operate, users of all backgrounds can easily work with this software. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.
The Tableau product suite is used by thousands of companies and organizations for their data analytic and visualization needs such as Skype, Wells Fargo, Nike, and Coca-Cola.
This article will explore some hacks and tips that can help you create more effective data visualizations.
7 Hacks & Tips for Using Tableau
Those who have been working with Tableau for some time cite a few tricks and tips that can be used to help create clear, engaging dashboards that convey information in a way your target audience will connect with. The following are just a few hacks to try next time you’re in Tableau to make stunning visualizations:
- Deliberately choose dashboard colors. One of the most common mistakes Tableau users make is overusing colors on dashboards. While color can be an effective tool for conveying information in a visually engaging manner, too much color can be distracting for the audience. Rather than adding value to the visualization, excess color tends to cloud the information. A good rule of thumb for those working with dashboards on Tableau is that every color choice should be deliberate. It’s important not only to know why you have selected a particular color, but also to keep in mind what you hope this color can communicate to the audience. In addition, because 8% of males have color-vision deficiency, it’s important to select a palette that can be accessible to all potential audience members. For this reason, it’s a good practice to avoid reds and greens, or to choose reds and greens that can be seen by all.
- Pick a font that enhances readability. All of the fonts in the Tableau typeface were created for use in data visualizations, and therefore are readable even in small sizes. Even though Tableau settings use them by default, there are some instances when a different font may be better suited to your visualization. If you wish to change the font in Tableau, it’s important to select another font that is readable. Some of the best options are Times New Roman, Verdana, Arial, and Lucida sans.
- Resist the urge to over-clutter. Those who are new to dashboard creation may be tempted to include any applicable graph or chart. While it is a natural impulse to want to provide the audience with as much relevant information as is necessary, it’s also important to remove anything that’s not completely necessary. Cleaner dashboards enhance clarity and ensure that viewers will take away the same insights.
- Try using a grid layout. Grids are an effective way to present objects such as filters, views, or titles on a dashboard. Grids provide a clear way to visually guide the eye through the dashboard so that its contents will be read in a logical and expected way. Both column-based and row-based flows can be incorporated to help weave a narrative that progresses from general overview into more specific details.
- It’s possible to resize a dashboard without resizing the objects. It can be aggravating to spend hours on a dashboard only to run out of space in the end. Although you can opt to resize the dashboard, doing so will resize and reposition its objects. Floating objects are especially problematic during resizing. The good news is that Paul Crawford invented a tool that will solve this problem. The VB Script file makes it possible for users to add height or width to a workbook without having to reposition or change the size of any object.
- Users can bring their own bins to Tableau. If you need to perform a task such as create a reference line on a histogram, Tableau bins don’t allow this. If you instead choose to build your own bins, you can then BYO (bring your own) bins into Tableau for use.
- Mute the background image. If you do decide to use a background image in a visualization, it’s important to ensure that it adds to, rather than distracts from, the information being presented. When working with dark text, it’s a smart choice to lighten the background. Similarly, light text is best offset with a dark background. Editing software such as Photoshop can be used for image manipulations such as this. It’s also possible to do so directly in Tableau. First, place an image on the dashboard and float over it. The Layout pane can be used to set the blank’s top and left positions to 0. The width and height should be set to the same values as the dashboard. Then, within the Layout pane, select either black or white for the background. Finally, change the opacity to the desired percentage.
Start Learning Tableau with Hands-On Classes
For those who want to learn how to create stunning and engaging data visualizations, maps, charts, and graphs, Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes provide a great option. These small group classes are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. These Tableau-focused courses teach students skills like how to spot the most optimal datasets to connect to, as well as how to analyze, filter, structure, and visually represent data.
In addition, a variety of live online Tableau courses are also currently available from top training providers. These interactive classes are taught in real-time and provide all learners with access to an instructor who is live and ready to provide feedback and answer questions. Courses range from seven hours to five days in duration and cost $299-$2,199.
Those who are interested in finding nearby Tableau classes can use Noble’s Tableau Classes Near Me tool. This handy tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than three dozen of the best Tableau classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats so that all interested learners can find the course that works best for them.