Portlet Types and Settings

Previously, you saw a quick list of the portlet types you can add to your dashboard. This section takes it a step further by explaining the purpose and ideal use cases for each portlet type, along with some best practices for using them effectively.

Your dashboard offers a variety of portlet types that allow you to present your data in different ways. The portlets are organized into three groups:

Charts

• Line Chart Ideal for visualizing trends over time. Use it when you want to track continuous data changes and highlight upward or downward movements.

• Bar Chart Best for comparing quantities across categories. Choose a bar chart when you need a clear, visual comparison of discrete data points.

• Pie Chart Perfect for showing how different segments contribute to a whole. Use it to display proportional data or percentages.

• Area Chart Similar to a line chart but with the area beneath the line filled, emphasizing the magnitude of values. It’s great for highlighting cumulative totals.

• Scatter Chart Useful for plotting relationships between two variables. Use a scatter chart to identify correlations or clusters in your data.

• Race Chart Designed to animate rank or value changes among multiple items over time. Use it to showcase dynamic competition or shifts in data standings.

Network Graphs

• Bubble Map Helps to visualize relationships or hierarchical data using circles (bubbles). Use it to highlight groupings, clusters, or nested structures in a more intuitive, bubble-based layout.

• Sankey Chart Focuses on showing flows or transfers between different categories or nodes. Use it to illustrate how resources, transactions, or data move from one entity to another.

• Dependency Wheel Displays dependencies in a circular layout, emphasizing how various nodes or categories interconnect. Use it to visualize cross-dependencies or the distribution of relationships in your data.

Dynamic

• Value

  Displays key metrics that update in real time. This portlet is excellent for dashboards that need to monitor current figures, like performance indicators or live alerts.

Static

• Text Allows you to add explanations, notes, or instructions directly onto your dashboard. Use this portlet to provide context or guide your audience through your data.

• Image Lets you embed images or graphics, such as logos or custom illustrations, to enhance your dashboard’s visual appeal and branding.

• Frame Provides a simple container to group related portlets or to visually separate different sections of your dashboard for a cleaner layout.