The Analytics Power Hour #280: Dashboards Must Die! Long Live Dashboards! with Andy Cotgreave
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Sep 16, 2025 In this discussion, Andy Cotgreave, co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards, dives into the hotly debated topic of dashboards in analytics. He explores whether dashboards are dying or evolving, especially with the rise of AI. Topics range from the importance of custom dashboards for different users to the narrative power of data storytelling. Andy also critiques the overreliance on technology in analysis, emphasizing the need for human insight in a data-driven world.
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Dashboard Is A Broad, Purpose-Driven Tool
- A dashboard is simply a visual display used to monitor or facilitate understanding of data.
- The term is broad and can include single charts, tables, or multi-page displays depending on purpose.
Dashboards Serve Different User Needs
- Dashboards serve different audiences: analysts who explore data and non-analysts who need predefined answers.
- For many users, dashboards are a narrow window on a finite set of predefined questions.
Tableau's 'Who's Hot' Helped Reps Prioritize Leads
- Tableau built a 'Who's Hot' dashboard showing individual lead activity for sales reps.
- The dashboard let reps see granular interactions (visits, training, downloads) and act on leads effectively.
