1. Define your goal.

Before you start visualizing your data or making a dashboard, make sure you can clearly explain what your goal is. In most cases, you probably don’t want to make a data visualization just for the sake of it. Some questions to consider before you start designing your viz include:

• What questions do you want to answer?
• Why do you want to make a data visualization or dashboard?
• What purpose will your viz or dashboard serve?
• What is your goal?