Make an Awesome Excel Dashboard in Just 15 Minutes

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create an interactive Excel dashboard in just 15 minutes. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you build a dynamic sales dashboard specifically for McDonald's in the South America region. You'll master hyperlink navigation, dashboard structure, and various chart types to make your data visually appealing and easy to understand.

Step 1: Making the Dashboard Dynamic

To enhance user interactivity, start by creating hyperlinks that will allow navigation between different tabs in your Excel workbook.

• Open your Excel file and navigate to the dashboard sheet.
• Select a shape or text box where you want the hyperlink.
• Right-click on the shape or text box and choose "Link" or "Hyperlink."
• Select "Place in This Document" and choose the target tab you want to link to.
• Repeat this process for each section you want to link, ensuring all relevant tabs are connected.

Practical Tip

Use clear labels for your hyperlinks to make navigation intuitive for users.

Step 2: Building the Dashboard Structure

Establish a solid structure for your dashboard using shapes and icons.

• Use the "Insert" tab to add shapes that will serve as containers for your charts and KPIs.
• Consider using rectangles or rounded rectangles for sections, and format them with colors that align with your branding.
• Add icons by searching for them in the "Insert" tab under "Icons." Choose relevant icons that correspond to the data displayed in each section.
• Arrange the shapes and icons thoughtfully to create a visually appealing layout.

Common Pitfall

Avoid overcrowding the dashboard with too many elements. Keep it clean and focused on key metrics.

Step 3: Creating Charts and Visuals

Now it's time to add visual elements to your dashboard.

• Map Chart:
  • Highlight your data that includes geographical information.
  • Go to the "Insert" tab and select "Map Chart."
• Radar Chart:
  • Select the data for comparison.
  • Insert a radar chart to show performance across multiple categories.
• Line Chart:
  • Use this for trends over time. Highlight your data, select "Insert," then choose "Line Chart."
• Doughnut Chart:
  • Great for showing parts of a whole. Highlight the relevant data and select "Insert," then "Doughnut Chart."
• KPIs:
  • Use text boxes to display key performance indicators prominently.

Practical Tip

Ensure all charts are labeled clearly and include legends where necessary. This will help viewers understand the information at a glance.

Step 4: Customizing the Visuals

To make your dashboard more appealing, customize the visuals.

• Click on each chart and use the "Chart Design" tab to change colors, styles, and layouts.
• Add data labels for clarity, and consider using contrasting colors to highlight important data points.
• Adjust the size of each chart to ensure they fit well within the dashboard layout.

Real-World Application

Customized visuals enhance data storytelling, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp key insights quickly.

Conclusion

You've now built an interactive Excel dashboard in just 15 minutes! Remember to test the hyperlinks to ensure smooth navigation and double-check that all visuals represent the data accurately. As a next step, consider sharing your dashboard with colleagues or stakeholders for feedback, and explore additional features in Excel to further enhance your data presentation skills.