Dashboard UI Guide

Data Table

Presents structured records in rows and columns, with table-level search, filtering, sorting, selection and pagination treated as parts of the whole component.

Where to use it

Place it in the main content area when users need exact record-level values, comparison, selection or row actions.

When to use it

Use it when users need exact row-level values and repeated fields across records.

When not to use it

Avoid it when the task is understanding a trend or summary rather than inspecting records.

Behavior and rules

Treat search, filter, sort, selection, row actions and pagination as capabilities of the table, activated only when the task needs them.

Anatomy

Table toolbar
Holds search, filters and bulk actions that act on the rows below. It keeps tools near the data they change.
Column headers
Name each column and offer sorting. The sorted column shows its direction; numeric columns align to the end.
Data row
One record. Row height, hover and selection must stay consistent so the eye can track across columns.
Status value
A short label with text and an icon or colour, so status can be scanned and filtered without relying on colour.
Pagination
Splits long lists and states the total (21–40 of 2,000). Use it, or infinite scroll, but tell people where they are.

All lessons

  1. Bar Chart — Compares values across categories using length on a common scale.
  2. Line Chart — Shows change across an ordered sequence, most often time.
  3. Area Chart — Emphasizes magnitude over an ordered sequence by filling the area under a line.
  4. Pie / Donut Chart — Shows a small number of parts that make up one meaningful whole.
  5. Scatter Plot — Reveals relationships, clusters and outliers between two numeric variables.
  6. Histogram — Shows the distribution of a numeric variable across value ranges.
  7. Box Plot — Summarizes distribution, median, spread and potential outliers compactly.
  8. Heatmap — Uses color intensity across a matrix to reveal patterns and concentration.
  9. Treemap — Shows hierarchical part-to-whole relationships through nested rectangles.
  10. Funnel Chart — Shows how a population changes through ordered stages of a process.
  11. Waterfall Chart — Explains how positive and negative contributions produce a final total.
  12. Sparkline — Shows a compact trend without the full framing of a standard chart.
  13. Gauge — Shows one value within a bounded range when position against a threshold matters.
  14. Combo Chart — Combines compatible visual marks when two related measures need coordinated comparison.
  15. Geographic Data Map — Maps values to locations or regions when geography is part of the question.
  16. KPI / Stat Card — Presents one important metric with enough context to judge its current value and change.
  17. Data Table — Presents structured records in rows and columns, with table-level search, filtering, sorting, selection and pagination treated as parts of the whole component.
  18. Dashboard Card / Panel — Groups one coherent dashboard task, metric or visualization into a bounded region with clear hierarchy.
  19. Filter Bar — Places the most important scope controls close to the data they affect.
  20. Filter Panel — Collects a larger set of filtering controls in a dedicated surface.
  21. Date Picker / Date Range Picker — Lets users choose one date or a bounded time range for reports, filters and analytics.
  22. Sidebar Navigation — Provides persistent access to major dashboard destinations and groups.
  23. Top App Bar — Holds page identity, global actions and high-priority controls at the top of an application.
  24. Breadcrumbs — Shows hierarchy and provides a path back through nested dashboard levels.
  25. Tabs — Switches between peer views inside the same dashboard context.
  26. Alert / Banner — Communicates important contextual or page-wide information that should remain visible until understood or resolved.
  27. Toast — Confirms a brief asynchronous outcome without blocking the current task.
  28. Notification Center — Collects system and workflow updates that users may need to revisit.
  29. Dropdown / Overflow Menu — Moves lower-priority or contextual actions into an on-demand menu.
  30. Modal / Dialog — Creates a focused temporary task that may block interaction with the underlying dashboard.
  31. Drawer / Side Panel — Opens contextual controls or details from an edge while preserving the page behind it.