What Newspapers Can Teach Us About Dashboard Design
Headlines, hierarchy, and human attention: the unsung lessons from print media.
Back when I used to flip through the morning newspaper with chai in hand, I never realised it was secretly teaching me dashboard design. Years later, while building dashboards, I began to notice the same elements: bold headlines, key stories up top, and clean sections that guide the eye. That’s when it clicked. The best dashboards follow the same logic as great newspaper layouts.
Dashboard Like a Newspaper: A Quick Reference
Big headline up top sets the tone
The key metric in the top-left grabs attention
Group-related visuals, like news columns
Consistent fonts and spacing reduce noise
White space is breathing space, don’t crowd
Dashboard Like a Newspaper
Headlines Matter
Every newspaper front page has a big, bold title at the top. It tells you the most important news in just a few words. Dashboards should do the same. A strong title like "Q1 Sales Exceed Targets by 15%" instantly sets context. Don’t hide the story, highlight it.
The One-Third Rule
Newspapers use the top one-third of the page for the biggest headlines and most impactful visuals. This is the part readers see first; dashboards should follow that rule too. Place your key metrics, KPIs, or insights right in that top section. Let the first glance do the talking.
Where Your Eyes Go First: The One Rule That Changed How I Design Dashboards
In my early days as a data analyst, I crafted dashboards filled with intricate charts and detailed metrics. Yet, during a stakeholder review, I was taken aback when the first question was, “Where’s the monthly revenue figure?” Despite its presence, the key metric was overlooked. This experience underscored a vital lesson: it's not just about what you display, but where you position it.
The Newspaper Rule: Prioritizing Information Placement
Drawing inspiration from traditional newspaper layouts, the "Newspaper Rule" suggests placing the most critical information at the top and center of your dashboard. This positioning aligns with natural reading patterns, ensuring that users encounter key insights first.
Implementing the One-Third Law
To structure your dashboard effectively, divide the screen into three horizontal sections:
Top Third: Reserve this space for primary metrics or KPIs.
Middle Third: Use this area for supporting visuals and trends.
Bottom Third: Allocate this section for filters, detailed tables, or explanatory notes.
This layout guides users' attention sequentially, enhancing comprehension.
Guiding Attention Through Visual Hierarchy
Just like a newspaper organizes articles with sections, font sizes, and spacing, dashboards need a clear visual hierarchy. Larger visuals or prominently placed metrics naturally draw focus. For instance, placing a significant KPI in the top-left corner ensures it's the first element users notice. Use bigger fonts for important numbers, distinct sections for each theme, and generous white space to reduce clutter.
Use Color with Purpose
Color should be used purposefully to convey meaning, for example, showing performance status or highlighting trends. Use preattentive attributes like size, color intensity, and placement to direct attention to critical points. But remember: less is more. Don’t overload the viewer.
Smart Shortcuts for Clarity
Dashboards should be intuitive, but incorporating help icons or tooltips can make a big difference, especially for complex metrics or uncommon terms. Use them judiciously to add clarity without adding clutter.
Design for Real Humans
Understanding your audience is paramount. Tailor the dashboard to the user's expertise and needs. A product manager may need trends, while a VP may want KPIs only. This user-first approach makes dashboards both useful and impactful.
What We Can Steal from Print Media
Use big, clear titles
Prioritize key data in the top-left area
Group related insights like columns
Use consistent fonts and spacing
Leave space to breathe don't overcrowd
Think of a Tableau or Power BI dashboard showing quarterly sales. The headline at the top should scream the message. Then, top left should show KPIs. Below that, a few charts giving trends and comparisons. The layout should lead the eye, just like a good front page.
A Dashboard is a Daily Front Page
So next time you're designing a dashboard, just imagine you're laying out tomorrow's front page. Ask yourself: What story does this tell? Will the reader get it in 5 seconds? If yes, you’ve nailed it.
Dashboards and newspapers may live in different worlds, but they’re both built on the same principles: make it clear, make it visual, and always respect your reader’s time.
Have you tried designing dashboards like newspapers? Share your favorite layout tip in the comments!