Data Visualization with Microsoft Power BI: How to Design Savvy Dashboards

by Alex Kolokolov

The first book that delivers data viz best practices precisely for Power BI


This practical guide shows how to quickly create visualizations and build savvy dashboards, with 25 chapters that explore different chart types plus 40 visuals from the AppSource gallery, from default to advanced, all over 400 color pages.


Key
Beautiful examples of charts, along with specific use cases
Step-by-step instruction on how to set up visuals in the app
Data preparation tips and tricks
Quizzes to consolidate the learning material



Data Visualization with Microsoft Power BI is suitable for both experienced data analysts and nontechnical professionals in finance, sales, and marketing. Here's what's


Part 1: Classic visuals. Discover how to choose charts for basic types of analysis and avoid common mistakes, then learn how to set up interactions and put visuals together on a dashboard.
Part 2: Trusted advanced visuals. Explore different options and data requirements for charts and diagrams including waterfall, bullet, Gantt, tornado, funnel, Sankey, and more.
Part 3: Risky advanced visuals. Consider eye-catching charts that nonetheless may confuse the average user, examine use cases, and understand how to avoid pitfalls or suggest simpler alternatives.


You get "two in one":
Data viz best practices, based on know-how cultivated over 15 years in the field of business intelligence
Technical expertise along with clear guides and shortcuts derived from 300+ dashboards developed

413 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[J.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear step-by-step instructions, one can start from any chapter to create whichever chart type is needed. Each chapter stands alone, so readers can jump to anywhere without following a strict sequence. The explanations are straightforward even for beginners, clear and colored illustrations add up to the guide.

[Leslie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real business practices. At first I'd thought that the book was written by another technical nerd.
I always struggled when tech pros trained me and my team how to work with corporate reporting platforms. I felt stupid trying to understand why they tell me about data models and other stuff, but never about design and UX itself.
This book have met and even exceeded my expectations, it's written from managers' perspective. I don't want to become a data scientist, I want to quickly build interactive reports.
The step-by-step guides let you build sales dashboard using recommended layout and charts. My team was excited and IT colleagues were envious, they assumed I know secret magic of reporting.
So I highly recommend this book, even if you find yourself stupid trying to understand BI tool like Power BI or Tableau. Start from this book and it really may change your career!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is only two years old and as such, still captures the BI interface. It is generally a good resource still, and the pictures are extremely helpful. But since this book is only two years old I assumed that the links and available supplemental information supposedly on the webpage would still be available/work. I found links in the book broken, the dl files are hard to find (if you can). Part of the appeal of this book is that you are supposed to be able to download files and work on them in tandem to the readings - I did not find this possible.

[Alisa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book covers Power BI in a structured way, making complex topics easier to understand and apply. Lots of practical examples that make a real difference in presenting data. Good for building confidence with Power BI’s tools and creating impactful visuals without feeling overwhelmed. Highly recommend it to improve data visualization skills.

[Raluca Trifan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes Power BI feel simple, powerful, and creative all at once.
I loved the practical step-by-step guides paired with real-world best practices.
The visuals are gorgeous, and the quizzes kept me engaged while learning.
An essential resource for anyone serious about building professional dashboards!

[Rachna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best book on this topic. Topics are easy to follow along, detailed instructions and example cases. A very well structured & to the point approach. Insightful read for all levels of readers.

[K. Permyakova · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re new to Power BI and want to make your dashboards look great and easy to understand, this book is a great choice. It’s practical, with clear steps and real examples, making it super beginner-friendly. Worth a read if you want better visuals without overcomplicating things!

[Deepak Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been working with this software only for a year or so, found it useful to get tricks & tips to enhance reporting visually

[Ekaterina Kobzar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pick for leveling up Power BI dashboards! Covers both tech and design, with clear steps and real-world examples. A solid resource for beginners!

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful

[Daniel Knuth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only for beginners and does not include data preparation or a final project.