Write the question first
Clarify which decision the report should support. This identifies relevant measures and prevents a wall of unrelated metrics.
Check quality and definitions
Document where data came from, how fields are defined, what is missing and how often information is updated.
Choose a useful visual
Use comparisons for differences, trends for change over time and tables when precise values matter.
Add context
A number without a baseline, target, period or explanation can mislead. Show the context needed to interpret it fairly.
Create a feedback loop
Ask whether users can answer the original question quickly. Remove low-value metrics as decisions change.
Technology should solve a clearly defined problem and make the next step easier.
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