[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_line_height=”1.7em” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The key to creating an effective dashboard lies in selecting the right key performance indicators (KPIs). It is important to focus on the data that is most relevant to various audiences and their needs, and crucial to your project goals. This way you can avoid being overloaded with too much information at one time, which can distract your focus. Data visualization should be planned in an intuitive way \u2013 charts, tables and graphical representation of the status and progress of tests are invaluable in this case. This approach makes it much easier for users to follow the reports in real-time and helps with decision-making.<\/p>\n
Next, you need to analyze the method of implementation and choose the right tools. To begin with, it is worth verifying whether the reporting mechanisms used by the client are sufficient for your purposes. In the situations when they are not, and you need more advanced and, at the same time, more attractive dashboards, you should consider using Microsoft Power BI. A big advantage of this solution is the possibility to integrate with various tools used in a given organization. This will allow you to create comprehensive reports that draw data related to scheduling, defects, and test cases (TCs) from a variety of sources and technologies.<\/p>\n
In complex and large-scale IT projects, a well-designed dashboard helps the user understand the current status, progress, and priorities, but also identify the areas that need attention. Considering different roles in the project you should remember that the reporting needs of testers may differ from those of analysts or architects. With dashboards the managers gain a tool for effective initiative management, supporting the decision-making process through the ability to quickly respond to identified risks. Drawing on my experience in designing dashboards, I will now present some ideas for the components of a sample dashboard. These suggestions may support the day-to-day cooperation with the project team, as well as provide the necessary information to recipients at a higher level of management, e.g. the Steering Committee.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” header_5_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The figure below shows the Test Execution Plan<\/em> curve against the timeline and the actual execution broken down into passed and failed TCs. Individual filters, such as Version, Priority, or Test Area,<\/em> allow you to dynamically generate charts for the scopes you are interested in. The status shown in the summary is presented by the RAG (Red-Amber-Green) circle. We can define the logic to show the status Green<\/em> when the Implementation<\/em> does not deviate from the Plan<\/em>; Amber<\/em> when the deviation is between 0% and 20%, and Red<\/em> when the deviation exceeds 20% below the plan.<\/p>\n The TREND icon can be programmed in such a way that it illustrates the Weekly Increment<\/em> visible on the summary, in relation to the previous increment, and indicate a positive or negative trend.<\/p>\n A very interesting indicator may be the Completion Forecast<\/em>, which will present the estimated completion date if the speed of work of the last few weeks is maintained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dashboard4.png” alt=”Presentation of the data on a dashboard using the Power BI data visualization tool” title_text=”dashboard” url=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/en\/performance-tests\/” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The figure below illustrates the distribution of individual test areas against the timeline and shows their progress versus the implementation plan, as indicated by the RAG (Red-Amber-Green) markers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dashboard3.png” alt=”Present real-time system data on a dashboard using Power BI ” title_text=”dashboard” url=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/en\/performance-tests\/” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Depending on the needs, you can also consider including the columns with information of the current status in individual areas, with percentage and with percentage and additional numerical values of Plan, Execution and Positive Execution.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The figure shows the status of test cases in individual areas (bar or pie graphs). Additional indicators include Overall Progress<\/em> (in percentage and numerical terms), Current Plan, Change in Progress versus previous week and day<\/em> (in percentage points as well as quantitatively) and Trend.<\/em> The visuals may be complemented by a tabular list.<\/p>\n Such screen provides you with more detailed information about the status of TCs in individual areas, and, combined with the graphs proposed in the previous paragraphs, referring to the timeline, it offers a more comprehensive view of the test status in the project.<\/p>\n In business testing, one of very valuable charts, often also very much welcome by both business owners and management boards, is the presentation of the test status from the product perspective. To enable this visualization, you need to have the test cases mapped to products. In practice, this can be achieved either through deliberately designed labels or through specific fields in the test tracking tool. With the help of Power BI, you can also incorporate some logic, even without any additional flags or fields at our disposal. Instead, you can use the test case names, provided that they include the product names.<\/p>\n The possibility to look at the progress of tests from the perspective of the implementation of functional or business requirements is another very significant aspect that should be taken into account when designing reports. To achieve this, you need to ensure that the test cases are mapped to individual requirements. In practice, this means use of dedicated TC fields, which can be defined as required in the tool.<\/p>\n Some tools, such as HP ALM, include a dedicated module to record requirements.<\/p>\n The visualization on this screen can include pie charts showing the test statuses for individual requirements by their priorities and a bar chart where each bar represents a specific requirement and its height corresponds to the degree of test coverage. Individual colors refer to the status of the test cases. With available filters, you can narrow down the view to a specific test area, priority or TC status, or filter out requirements not covered by the test cases.<\/p>\n Such screen will help you identify areas that require attention, fill the gaps in test coverage, or optimize the number of TCs for individual requirements, taking into account their priorities.<\/p>\n The chart shows the distribution of test cases (TCs) against the timeline in the form of daily bars, by default broken down by statuses \u2013 ‘passed’ and ‘failed’, with the option to filter out other statuses, e.g. \u2018in progress.\u2019 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) show the number of TCs completed, divided into successful and unsuccessful, as well as the average daily number of TCs performed. These metrics are generated dynamically each time you use your defined filters, allowing you to narrow down the statistics to the selected date range, TC priority, specific test team, or tester.<\/p>\n Such screen will support the work of a Test Manager, Test Lead, Test Coordinator or Team Lead, enabling the analysis of the speed of work and effectiveness of both individual testers and teams. The obtained data can be used to plan appropriate optimizing activities and mitigate identified risks when the speed and effectiveness deviate from the assumed goals.<\/p>\n The next screen has been designed to support the ongoing planning of testers’ work, as well as to discuss progress during the Daily<\/em> meetings of individual test teams.<\/p>\n The bar chart on the dashboard presents the statistics of test cases assigned to individual testers, with the ability to generate detailed lists of TCs, by clicking on the selected chart element. Additionally, it provides a tabular list, including the numerical values for each tester and the information about the change that occurred during the last day and week.<\/p>\n Another element, very helpful in the daily planning of work, is the summary of the statistics of failed or blocked TCs, that are not linked to any specific defect, or linked only to the already closed defects. It is important here to provide the option to generate xls statements, containing such data as: test area, test case name<\/em>, test case status<\/em>, assigned tester\u2019s name<\/em>, defect number or information about lack of defects.<\/em><\/p>\n One of the key factors which may impede the possible progress of tests at a given stage are the blockers, identified during the execution of the tests. It is very important to ensure that they are recorded and properly categorized in the tracker and that the team members link the test cases with specific defects blocking the tests. This approach will allow you to design a screen that provides valuable information to properly target the ongoing test planning and address appropriate actions, in order to accelerate fixing of blockers that have the greatest impact on testing.<\/p>\n Such screen may contain also a tabular list of defects blocking the tests, sorted by the number of TCs blocked by a given defect. The list should include the following data: Defect number, Link to defect, Defect status, Priority, Person assigned to defect, Assignee team, Number of blocked TCs, Link to a detailed list of TCs<\/em> blocked by a given defect.<\/p>\n Based on the value Number of blocked TCs<\/em>, you can design a list of TOP blockers (e.g. TOP 5, with the highest values of blocked TCs). The list may be complemented by additional information about the lifetime of a given defect and the time when it was assigned to the person\/team who is currently responsible for its fix.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/tworzenie-dashboardow-scaled.jpg” alt=”Dashboard is a method of data visualization and tracking, very useful in creating reports that facilitate analysis and decision-making.” title_text=”dashboards-designing” url=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/en\/performance-tests\/” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” header_5_line_height=”1.3em” link_option_url=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/en\/contact\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n This type of dashboard screen should contain the most important KPIs and statistics that comprehensively present the status and can also be used as a slide in a report compiled for the higher-level management, e.g. the Steering Committee.<\/p>\n It may be in the form of a schedule, plan vs progress, status in relation to areas and products, or top blockers.<\/p>\n I hope that the tips and information presented in this article will prove useful for creating your own functional dashboards and managing the data tracking processes. \u0179r\u00f3d\u0142em naszej wiedzy s\u0105 lata praktyki i realizacja wielu projekt\u00f3w testowych dla klient\u00f3w z bran\u017c telekomunikacyjnej, finansowej, energetycznej, medycznej, IT i logistycznej. Our knowledge and services are based on long-term practice and numerous completed projects for clients operating in various market sectors, e.g. telecom, finance, energy, healthcare, IT and logistics. Owing to our extensive experience and know-how we can provide our clients with proven and well-tested solutions.<\/p>\n When selecting the right technology and designing a reporting tool, you should ensure that they are universal and configurable enough to be effectively used in diverse situations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ekran-pulpit-nawigacyjny-testy-scaled.jpg” alt=”The results of the testing service are presented with the help of Power BI in real-time on a dashboard.” title_text=”screen-dashboard-tests” url=”https:\/\/soflab.pl\/en\/performance-tests\/” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" How to design an optimal dashboard? What should you pay special attention to, so that the tools you build are effective, provide valuable information and contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the project? Our article answers these and many other important questions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":242528,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[264,186],"tags":[272,266,327],"class_list":["post-242535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-quality-management-en","category-test-support-tools-en","tag-software-testing","tag-software-tests","tag-test-management"],"yoast_head":"\nBelow we show the screen designed as one of the dashboard elements<\/h5>\n
2. Test status \u2013 Schedule <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Next dashboard screen<\/h5>\n
3. Test status – Areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4. Test status – Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Test status – Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Test progress – Testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
7. Test status – Testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8. Test blockers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Status – Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Design your own dashboard and generate actionable reports<\/h2>\n
Is it your first experience with this type of tool and you have some questions? Ask specialists to learn more about software testing and designing professional dashboards. <\/a><\/h4>\n