Dashboard
Dashboard
A single screen that consolidates key information into charts and tables for an at-a-glance overview.
In Simple Terms
A dashboard gathers data from all over and displays it as charts and numbers on a single screen. For example, an online store might show sales figures and visitor trends as multiple graphs side by side. One look tells you the full picture of what's happening right now. It saves you from having to open multiple files or screens one by one just to check each piece of information.
Behind the Name
The word "dashboard" originally referred to the board at the front of a horse-drawn carriage that shielded passengers from mud and stones kicked up by the horses. As automobiles became widespread, it came to describe the panel where the speedometer and other gauges were mounted — and from there, the meaning evolved to "a screen where all the important information is visible at a glance."
Take a Closer Look!
A dashboard is a feature that collects information from various sources — such as sales figures and page views — and presents it as charts and tables on a single, organized screen.
In web services and business software, it is often the "home screen" you land on right after logging in.
Think of it like the instrument panel in an airplane cockpit.
Because everything you need is on one screen, you can instantly assess the current state of things.
It is commonly used to display website visitor counts, recent updates, and other key metrics so you can grasp the big picture efficiently.
Another notable feature is that dashboard content is usually customizable to suit your needs.
You can choose which items to display and filter data by time period, making it easier to organize information the way that works best for you.
Rather than simply listing data, dashboards use color and visual design to make information intuitive — helping you decide what action to take next.