The discussion pivots around whether Business Intelligence truly needs a Figma design system. Insights into Microsoft's confusing unified core model shed light on backend vs. frontend complexities. The speakers argue for better design practices in Power BI, emphasizing collaboration between designers and developers. They explore how tools like Figma can enhance report quality and user interface design, while also addressing the balance between aesthetics and functionality. Prototyping emerges as crucial for creating user-friendly BI experiences.
Implementing design tools like Figma within Power BI reporting can enhance user engagement and improve data visualization quality.
The introduction of Microsoft's unified virtual core model has complicated resource allocation and performance understanding for Power BI users.
Deep dives
Unified Virtual Core Confusion
The introduction of Microsoft's unified virtual core (v-core) model has generated confusion among users regarding its implications for performance and resource allocation. In the new model, purchasing a single premium core obscures the distinction between back-end and front-end cores that previously informed users about their processing capacity. The previous method divided compute tasks into clear segments measured across distinct time evaluations, but the new structure appears to have created a muddied understanding of resource efficiency. Users report difficulty grasping how their compute times translate within this new framework, complicating the perceived benefits of simplified capacity management.
The Importance of Design Guidelines
Establishing design guidelines within Power BI reports is essential for creating engaging and effective data visualizations. Implementing tools like Figma as part of the design process enhances reports by fostering the development of reusable components and consistent styling, allowing teams to focus on the aesthetics rather than just the data presentation. A systematic approach to prototyping and wireframing facilitates collaborative discussions about user experience, ensuring that stakeholders can visualize how data will be presented. The article suggests that design tools should not just be viewed as enhancements but as vital resources for improving the overall quality of business intelligence outputs.
Prototyping Tools and Best Practices
Designing effective reports often involves leveraging prototyping tools that can streamline the user experience and clarify the visual storytelling of the data. While some argue that Power BI itself may suffice for basic layouts, utilizing dedicated design applications like Figma can allow designers and BI professionals to communicate intricately about user interfaces without the constraints of Power BI's development capabilities. This dialogue can lead to more considered layouts and interactions that prioritize user engagement, ultimately driving better adoption and understanding of the reports produced. Incorporating external design tools enables teams to think critically about how users will interact with data before deep diving into development.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
The debate over whether to utilize design tools like Figma or rely solely on Power BI hinges on the balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal in reporting. While Power BI facilitates rapid development of report components, it lacks some of the nuanced capabilities of design tools, making the latter valuable for high-stakes projects that require a user-centered approach. The insights shared highlight the importance of considering aesthetics; reports that are visually appealing can enhance user engagement, ultimately leading to better data interpretation. By thoughtfully integrating design tools into the BI process, organizations can produce reports that not only deliver data but also tell compelling stories.
Based off this article on Bibb.pro...https://www.bibb.pro/post/why-business-intelligence-needs-a-figma-design-system
Does BI "require" a Figma design system?
We have talked in bunches about wireframing, but honestly how much of our time needs to be devoted to design tools?
The guys discuss just that.
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