COURSE 6 – CREATIVE DESIGNING IN POWER BI

Module 1: Visualization and Design

MICROSOFT POWER BI DATA ANALYST PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

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TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION – Visualization and Design

This week, you will be introduced to the principles of data display and visualization design. The instruction covers how to create a cohesive report, ensuring that your designs are effectively targeted to a specific audience. Additionally, the material emphasizes the importance of security in data visualization, highlighting the need to safeguard sensitive information while presenting data in a clear and engaging manner. Through this comprehensive approach, you will learn how to combine aesthetic and functional elements to produce impactful visualizations that communicate your data insights effectively and securely to your intended audience.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the importance of security in data visualization
  • Create a cohesive report design
  • Identify key information in reports based on target audience

SELF-REVIEW: IMPROVING REPORT COHESIVENESS

1. In the pie chart, each slice indicates the total value and percentage contribution of the category towards the grand total. To reduce the onscreen clutter, you only need to display the percentage contribution towards the whole. In Power BI’s visualization pane, what control option in allows you to change that option? 

  • Slices
  • Details labels (CORRECT)
  • Properties

Correct! Detail labels provide you the freedom to choose a range of options to display on the pie chart slices.

2. True or False: The table visual in Power BI allows you to change the text color of the values of a specific column without affecting the text color of other columns.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct! You can change the font color of the values in a single column from the Format Visual > Visual and selecting the specific column section.

3. True or False: You can rename the chart titles by selecting the chart first, then navigating to Visualizations > Format visual > General and changing the text property.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct! You can use Visualizations > Format visual > Visual > General to set the properties of the selected element.

4. What is the percentage value for the Bikes category in the pie chart named Marketing Budget 2023-Q1?

  • 37.74%
  • 47.17% (CORRECT)
  • 70.09%

Correct! 47.17% is the percentage value for the Bikes category in the pie chart named Marketing Budget 2023-Q1.

5. Which of the following are key elements of visual hierarchy? Select all that apply.

  • Fonts (CORRECT)
  • Grids
  • Colors (CORRECT)
  • Negative space (CORRECT)

Correct! Adjusting the font style and size plays a pivotal role in creating a visual hierarchy while designing a report in Microsoft Power BI.

Correct! Colors are the most crucial element of report design and allow you to give a visual meaning to your reports. 

Correct! Negative space helps in creating a visually balanced design that is clutter-free and easy to navigate.

6. What color theory concept best describes the pleasing arrangement of colors in a design?

  • Color harmony (CORRECT)
  • Color symbolism
  • Color psychology

Correct! Color harmony is the pleasing arrangement of colors in a design.

7. Which option is used to define conditions and set a specific color in a condition?

  • Conditional Formatting (CORRECT)
  • Filters
  • Style Presets

That’s correct! Conditional Formatting is used to define specific conditions and set colors or other styles for these conditions.

8. Which sentence best describes scale in a report design?

  • Scale is the strategic placement of visual elements within a report.
  • Scale refers to the relative size and proportions of visual elements within a report. (CORRECT)
  • By using scale, you consider the flow of information and the logical sequence in which the audience will consume it.
  • By using scale, you arrange sections of the report in a way that follows a natural progression.

Correct! Scale refers to the relative size and proportions of visual elements within a report. Additionally, the scale of charts and graphs should be carefully considered to accurately represent the data. Axis labels, tick marks, and legends should be appropriately sized and positioned for easy interpretation.

9. Your manager gave you a regional sales performance Microsoft Power BI report represented by years, quarters, and months. The report is concentrated with too much information and poorly designed with inconsistencies. You need to re-design the report to make it more attention-grabbing and easier to navigate.

  • What is the primary step to take before you start redesigning? 
  • Consult with your manager to ask what the report’s intention is.
  • Choose a color scheme that aligns with the company’s brand identity.
  • Identify the areas of the report that are poorly designed and therefore need improvement. (CORRECT)

Correct! Clearly understanding the report’s issues in terms of positioning and information flow allows you to redesign with a unified and logical flow of information.

10. Which statement best describes a chaotic page in a report design?

  • Chaotic pages suffer from a lack of structure, coherence, and intentionality. (CORRECT)
  • In chaotic pages, graphs and charts are thoughtfully positioned, aligned, and scaled to facilitate easy interpretation.
  • In chaotic pages, you have clear headings and subheadings, along with intuitive navigation elements.
  • Chaotic pages are visually appealing, organized, and easy to navigate.

Correct! Chaotic pages suffer from a lack of structure, coherence, and intentionality. A chaotic page may include jumbled graphs, overlapped text, and inconsistent use of color, making it challenging for viewers to get the intended message.

11. What adjustments were made during the re-design of the report? Select all that apply.

  • Repositioning the visuals. (CORRECT)
  • Formatting the text. (CORRECT)
  • Applying an accessible theme. (CORRECT)
  • Changing the report background color. (CORRECT)
  • Rescaling the visuals. (CORRECT)

Correct! Reorganizing the visuals supports and emphasizes the core message.

Correct! Apply font size and color changes to ensure readability and signify the item’s level of importance.

Correct! An accessible theme ensures readability for all and imposes a consistent color scheme for all elements of the report.

Correct! The background color of visuals was changed and the background of the entire report.

Correct! Visuals must be the correct size to display their content and must match in size with the other visual elements.

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

1. Which Microsoft Power BI menu item is used to set text, color, and style for a visual element?

  • Format Visual (CORRECT)
  • Analytics
  • Build Visual

That’s correct! The Format Visual choice in Microsoft Power BI provides a wide range of options to modify the colors, fonts, backgrounds, borders, and other visual properties of your visuals.

2. What term describes that the information is grouped together logically and presented in a sequential manner?

  • Clear visual hierarchy
  • Strategic positioning (CORRECT)
  • Consistent color scheme

That’s correct! Ensure that related information is grouped together logically and presented in a sequential manner. Use alignment and spacing techniques to create a sense of order and structure.

3. True or False: Color harmony is a circular diagram that organizes colors based on their relationship to one another, providing insights into color harmonies and combinations in design. It consists of primary colors, secondary colors, and intermediate colors formed by mixing primary and secondary colors.

  • True
  • False (CORRECT)

That’s correct! The Color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between different colors, helping us understand color harmonies and combinations in design.

4. You are working on a data analysis project for Adventure Works. The company provides you with a large dataset containing information about the marketing budget of the previous and current quarter. Your task is to create reports that show a detailed list of the quarterly budgets and display the budgets per category in a pie chart. Your objective is to enhance the color scheme, positioning, scale, and overall cohesiveness of the report. In this scenario, how can you simplify the layout? Select all that apply.

  • Leave an empty space between the vertical and horizontal visuals to make the elements more readable. (CORRECT)
  • Set the title text of tables and charts as Marketing Budget Detail and Marketing Budget Chart.
  • Align visual elements vertically and horizontally. (CORRECT)

That’s correct! You can use white space effectively to create space between different sections and simplify the current layout.  

That’s correct! You can ensure a consistent and balanced positioning of elements by aligning them properly. This simplifies the current layout.

5. Which statement best describes the difference between chaotic and cohesive pages in report design?

  • Chaotic pages have a symmetrical layout with a balanced use of colors and fonts, while cohesive pages have an asymmetrical layout with contrasting design elements. 
  • Chaotic pages have a minimalist design with limited use of colors and fonts, while cohesive pages have a vibrant and eclectic design with various design elements.
  • Chaotic pages have a cluttered layout with inconsistent use of colors and fonts, while cohesive pages have a clean and organized layout with consistent design elements. (CORRECT)

That’s correct! Chaotic pages are characterized by a cluttered layout, inconsistent use of colors and fonts, and lack of organization. In contrast, cohesive pages have a clean and organized layout, consistent use of design elements such as colors and fonts, and a visually pleasing arrangement of content.

SELF-REVIEW: HIGHLIGHTING KEY INFORMATION

1. In conditional formatting of fields in Microsoft Power BI, which of these is a format style?  Select all that apply.

  • Rules (CORRECT)
  • Gradient (CORRECT)
  • Field value (CORRECT)
  • Individual colors

That’s correct! Rules is the third option to choose while applying conditional formatting, and here, you need to define discrete rules to use each color for your chart.

That’s correct! You can select Gradient from the Format style drop-down list and define up to three gradient colors based on measure values.

That’s correct! You can apply conditional formatting based on field values that you define using DAX.

2. What is the correct path to change the colors of columns in a column chart in the current report?

  • Visualizations > Build Visual > Y-axis
  • Visualizations > Format Visual >General >Properties
  • Visualizations > Format Visual > Visual > Columns (CORRECT)

That’s correct! In the Columns section, you can select individual colors for each chart in your visual.

3. True or False: Dragging and positioning with the mouse is the only way to change the size and position of visuals in a Microsoft Power BI report canvas?

  • True
  • False (CORRECT)

That’s correct! You can change the position and size of the visuals by navigating to the Properties section in the General tab of Format Visual.

4. What is the 2022 Sales value for the Components category in the table named Sales vs. Target by Category Details?

  • 2600 (CORRECT)
  • 1100
  • 1950

That’s correct! 2600 is the 2022 Sales value for the Components category in the table named Sales vs. Target by Category Details.

5. In data reporting and analysis, which statement accurately reflects the importance of understanding the target audience?

  • Understanding the target audience ensures that the data is presented in a way that is universally understood and accepted.
  • Knowing the target audience helps create reports that cater to the needs and interests of every individual.
  • Identifying the target audience allows for customization and highlighting specific elements based on their interests and requirements. (CORRECT)

Correct! By getting to know your target audience, you can focus on what truly matters to them and highlight the key aspects that are meaningful. This ensures that your reports are not only accurate and insightful but also easy to understand and have a real impact on the people you’re presenting to.

6. Which design considerations are important when designing for younger children?

  • Incorporating complex visual elements.
  • A clean and professional design.
  • Using simple and intuitive icons (CORRECT)
  • Providing interactive elements (CORRECT)

That’s correct! Young children can easily understand and navigate through simple and intuitive icons. This approach enhances their interaction and engagement with the design.

That’s correct! Young children can easily understand and navigate through simple and intuitive icons. This approach enhances their interaction and engagement with the design.

7. When prioritizing key information in data visualization, what should you focus on?

  • Including all available data without filtering.
  • Providing detailed information for every data point.
  • Highlighting outliers and important data points. (CORRECT)

Correct! When prioritizing key information,  highlighting outliers and important data points can draw the audience’s attention to significant findings and insights.

KNOWLEDGE CHECK: CONSIDERING THE AUDIENCE

1. Which feature is implemented to track and monitor data access, providing accountability and visibility into data usage?

  • Secure data transmission
  • Access logs (CORRECT)
  • Role-based access control

That’s correct! Access logs and audit trails can be implemented to track and monitor data access, providing accountability and visibility into data usage.

2. Which term describes removing personally identifiable information or replacing it with pseudonyms?

  • Data anonymization (CORRECT)
  • Access control
  • Data integrity

That’s correct! Anonymizing data is an effective technique for protecting privacy and confidentiality. Removing personally identifiable information or replacing it with pseudonyms preserves privacy.

3. True or False: Data integrity is used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the visualized information by implementing data validation, error detection, and consistency checks.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That’s correct! Maintaining data integrity is crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the visualized information. Data integrity encompasses various aspects, including data validation, error detection, and consistency checks.

4. Which design consideration can be used for older audiences?

  • Implement interactive features and complex navigation.
  • Provide clear navigation. (CORRECT)
  • Incorporate vibrant colors and intricate visual elements.

That’s correct! Adults appreciate a clear and intuitive user interface. Use logical navigation structures, such as menus and breadcrumbs, to help users easily navigate through the content.

5. Why is it essential to understand the target audience in data reporting and analysis in Microsoft Power BI?

  • It enables the customization of reports to meet the audience’s specific needs and preferences. (CORRECT)
  • It ensures that the data is only accessible by the data analysts.
  • It helps increase the complexity of data visualization.

That’s correct! Understanding the target audience is crucial because it enables the customization of reports to meet the audience’s specific needs and preferences.

6. What is the key consideration for ensuring data security in data visualization?

  • Implementing access controls and data anonymization to protect sensitive information. (CORRECT)
  • Sharing data without encryption to facilitate easier data sharing.
  • Granting access to the entire data only to authorized users.

Correct! Implementing access controls and data anonymization are key considerations for data security.

MODULE QUIZ: VISUALIZATION AND DESIGN

1. What can be considered as a part of color symbolism?

  • Considering cultural context when selecting colors for global designs  (CORRECT)
  • Pleasing arrangement of colors in a design.
  • Strategically using colors to communicate specific messages and elicit desired responses from your audience.

2. Complete the following sentence. To draw the attention of the report viewers to a specific column, use the ________ feature.

  • Filters
  • Visualizations
  • Conditional Formatting  (CORRECT)

That is correct! To draw the attention of the report viewers to a specific column, use conditional formatting.

3. True or False: Scaling is the strategic placement of visual elements within a report to guide the viewer’s attention and convey key information.

  • True 
  • False  (CORRECT)

That is correct! Positioning is the strategic placement of visual elements within a report to guide the viewer’s attention and convey key information.

4. Complete the following sentence. ________ pages suffer from a lack of structure, coherence, and intentionality.

  • Chaotic  (CORRECT)
  • Cohesive 
  • Responsive

That is correct! Chaotic pages suffer from a lack of structure, coherence, and intentionality.

5. True or False: The first step in creating a successful report or presentation is identifying the target audience. Every audience has its unique characteristics, including its level of technical expertise, its roles and responsibilities within the organization, its demographic information, and other specific needs.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! When considering the target audience for a report or presentation, several factors or dimensions should be considered. These factors help identify the characteristics and needs of the audience, enabling you to tailor your content and design to meet their specific requirements.

6. What approaches can be used when designing reports for younger report viewers?

  • Prioritizing readability
  • Using a storytelling approach. (CORRECT)
  • Simplifying navigation and interactions.

That is correct! Tell a story through the data to capture the imagination of younger users.

7. True or False: Microsoft Power BI allows for interactive exploration, where users can drill down into specific data points or filter the information based on their interests.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Different audience members may have different levels of expertise or specific questions that require a deeper dive into the data. By providing this level of detail, you enable further analysis and empower your audience to extract insights relevant to their specific needs.

8. Microsoft Power BI allows for interactive exploration. Which features allow greater insight or detailed information about specific data points? Select all that apply.

  • Drill through (CORRECT)
  • Drill down (CORRECT)
  • Filter and slice

That is correct! Drill through allows users to access more detailed information about a specific data point or value by clicking on it. It helps users to view contextual details related to a particular data point. 

That is correct! Microsoft Power BI allows for interactive exploration, where users can drill down into specific data points or filter the information based on their interests. It allows users to navigate from higher-level information to more specific information.

9. What is the purpose of access control in Power BI?

  • Ensuring only authorized individuals can view or interact with specific datasets. (CORRECT)
  • Removing inconsistencies and errors in the data.
  • Removing personally identifiable information or replacing it with pseudonyms.

That is correct! Controlling access to data is vital to ensure that only authorized individuals can view or interact with specific datasets.

10. True or False: Organizations should consider secure file-sharing methods or utilize secure cloud-based platforms for distributing visualizations, ensuring data remains protected throughout its journey.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Using encrypted connections, such as HTTPS or SSL/TLS, ensures that data is encrypted during transit, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to intercept or manipulate the data.

11. True or False: Color theory is the meaning and usage of colors, and how to pick the best colors in different situations by considering culture, psychology, perception, and more.

  • True  (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Color theory is the collection of rules and guidelines which designers use to communicate with users through appealing color schemes in visual interfaces

12. True or False: Warm colors like red and orange are associated with energy, passion, excitement, and attention or warning.

  • True  (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Each color carries its own psychological associations. Warm colors are associated with energy, passion, excitement, and attention.

13. Where do you place important data points or key messages to emphasize them in a Microsoft Power BI report?

  • At the top or in the center of the report. (CORRECT)
  • At the bottom or in the center of the report.
  • At the top or on the left side of the report.

That is correct! Important data points or key messages should be placed prominently, typically at the top or in the center of the report, where they are immediately visible.

14. True or False: By utilizing consistent color palettes, strategic positioning of elements, and clear visual hierarchy, designers can create reports that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and convey a unified message.

  • True  (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! To create a cohesive page, you need to employ a clean and structured layout. You must use consistent color schemes, such as the brand colors to highlight important information and differentiate regions.

15. What key factors refer to using specific information or insights in reports which are sought by the report viewers?

  • Role or job function.
  • Goals and objectives. (CORRECT)
  • Preferred communication style.

That is correct! The goals and objectives of the target audience should always inform the design of the report.

16. True or False: Younger users often require more sophisticated visualizations to analyze complex data. Consider using advanced charts, graphs, and interactive elements to provide deeper insights and facilitate data exploration.

  • True
  • False (CORRECT)

That is correct! Adults often require more sophisticated visualizations to analyze complex data. Consider using advanced charts, graphs, and interactive elements to provide deeper insights and facilitate data exploration.

17. Which items would be considered sensitive data? Select all that apply.

  • Passport number (CORRECT)
  • E-Mail address (CORRECT)
  • Education data
  • Favorite movie

That is correct! Columns like Social Security number, Passport Number, and Tax Numbers are considered as sensitive data because they can be used to identify a person easily.

That is correct! Columns like E-Mail, Phone Number, Social Media Account Name are considered as sensitive data, because these data can be used for spam or unwanted access.

18. What aspects can be considered in data integrity? Select all that apply.

  • Format data 
  • Consistency checks (CORRECT)
  • Data validation  (CORRECT)

That is correct! Data integrity encompasses various aspects, including data validation, error detection, and consistency checks.

That is correct! Data integrity encompasses various aspects, including data validation, error detection, and consistency checks.

19. What serves as a visual representation of the relationships between colors?

  • The color wheel.  (CORRECT)
  • Color symbolism.
  • Color harmony.

That is correct! The color wheel serves as a visual representation of the relationships between colors. It consists of primary, secondary colors, and intermediate or tertiary colors.

20. Which approach is essential for guiding viewers through the report and highlighting key information?

  • A clear visual hierarchy  (CORRECT)
  • A consistent color scheme.
  • A consistent typography.

That is correct! A clear visual hierarchy directs the viewers’ attention to the most important or relevant portion of the data.

21. What is the purpose of access control in Power BI?

  • Removing personally identifiable information or replacing it with pseudonyms.
  • Removing inconsistencies and errors in the data.
  • Ensuring only authorized individuals can view or interact with specific datasets.  (CORRECT)

That is correct! Controlling access to data is vital to ensure that only authorized individuals can view or interact with specific datasets.

22. Complete the following sentence. Consider ________ that may influence the audience’s preferences and understanding. This includes language preferences, ethnic or social nuances, and accessibility considerations.

  • Cultural and demographic factors (CORRECT)
  • Information needs
  • Time constraints

That is correct! Consider cultural and demographic factors that may influence the audience’s preferences and understanding. This includes language preferences, cultural nuances, and accessibility considerations.

23. Complete the following sentence. There are often ________ that deviate significantly from the norm; which can provide valuable insights or indicate areas that require attention.

  • headlines
  • key information
  • outliers (CORRECT)

That is correct! In any dataset, there are often outliers or data points that deviate significantly from the norm. These outliers can provide valuable insights or indicate areas that require attention.

24. True or False: By understanding your audience, focusing on headlines, highlighting outliers, providing access to detailed information, and adapting to audience preferences, you can enhance data insights and drive meaningful decision-making.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Prioritizing key information in Microsoft Power BI is a critical skill for effective data visualization and communication.

25. Complete the following sentence. Incorporating ________, such as clickable buttons or draggable elements, can make the experience more interactive and enjoyable for young users.

  • interactive features (CORRECT)
  • animations
  • colorful graphics

That is correct! Incorporating interactive features, such as clickable buttons or draggable elements, can make the experience more interactive and enjoyable for young users.

26. Which techniques are used to capture the attention of your audience quickly and convey the main message effectively?

  • Highlighting outliers. 
  • Providing details for closer inspection.
  • Focusing on headlines. (CORRECT)

That is correct! When presenting data, it is essential to capture the attention of your audience quickly. By focusing on headlines, or the most important findings and trends, you can convey the main message effectively.

27. True or False: Implementing data anonymization rules and performing regular audits help identify and rectify any anomalies or inconsistencies in the data, ensuring the visualizations reflect accurate and reliable insights.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

That is correct! Implementing data validation rules and performing regular audits help identify and rectify any anomalies or inconsistencies in the data, ensuring the visualizations reflect accurate and reliable insights.

28. Complete the following sentence. By implementing role-based access control, you protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of ________ data exposure.

  • unauthenticated
  • prohibited
  • unauthorized (CORRECT)

That is correct! By implementing role-based access control, data can be restricted or served in a controlled manner to the individuals who need to access it. This helps protect sensitive information and reduces the risk of unauthorized data exposure.

29. The definition of “important” information can vary across different audiences. How do you serve data by considering this fact?

  • Providing details for closer inspection.
  • Adapting to audience preferences. (CORRECT)
  • Highlighting outliers and important data points.

That is correct! What may be crucial for one group may not be as relevant to another. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt your presentation to align with the preferences of your audience.

CONCLUSION – Visualization and Design

In conclusion, this week’s focus on data display and visualization design principles equips you with the essential skills to create cohesive and audience-targeted reports. Emphasizing the importance of security, the material ensures you understand how to protect sensitive information while presenting data effectively. By mastering these principles, you will be able to combine aesthetic appeal with functional clarity, producing impactful visualizations that effectively communicate your insights while maintaining data security.

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