And this is for people who spend only 10 minutes a day for reports. And what about analysts?

3. VISUALIZATION

Very often it is difficult to make right decision based on bare data. Human brain operates by visual images and not by mathematical abstractions. Properly designed gauge allows visual evaluation of the extent the displayed value differs from the planned one, and how close it is to the critical value, etc.

But you should remember that visual indicators don't replace exact figures, but supplement them. That is why you should never forget to duplicate values as figures. You should always know exact value regardless of visual representation.

4. AESTHETICS

Attractive dashboard reports Applications should be attractive as well as any other things we use. As human beings we like using nice things no matter useful they are for business or not. Moreover, comfortable environment contributes to more efficient work of your personnel; people are less tired and stress-susceptible. You didn't paint walls in your office with black color only because black paint is cheaper, did you? Then why should you strain your eyes observing neat rows of figures that merge into solid mass by the end of working day to find necessary data. Make application interface more attractive and many routine operations will become less tedious.

SUMMARY

Visualizations such as gauges can be a useful supplement to standard report representation. But to use gauges in applications efficiently, you need to accurately adjust visual elements to exact applications subject to used metaphor, visualization, speed of perception and design of the developed application.

If you decide that gauges are necessary in your reports, I am the very guy who will sell the best library to create such interfaces.(http://www.perpetuumsoft.com/Product.aspx?lang=en&pid=44)

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