Top 3 Underutilized Power BI Visuals

Greg from Pragmatic Works showcases the top three underutilized Power BI visuals that can add a fresh perspective to your reports. He also includes a bonus visualization at the end that might be the most powerful of them all. These visuals can help break the monotony of standard charts and tables while enhancing data storytelling and collaboration.

1. Ribbon Chart

The first visual Greg highlights is the Ribbon Chart. Often overlooked due to its retro style, the ribbon chart offers a unique way to display ranked data over time.

• Key Benefits:
  • Shows changes in ranking over time.
  • Provides a dynamic and colorful way to visualize data trends.
• Use Case: Comparing sales performance of products across multiple periods.

Greg suggests using small multiples and legends for added clarity, making it more visually appealing without compromising on data clarity.

2. Area Chart

Next, Greg highlights the Area Chart as another underutilized visual. While it adds a sleek, flowing design to data representation, it requires careful implementation.

• Key Benefits:
  • Great for showing trends and differences over time.
  • Visually effective for showcasing cumulative data.
• Important Tip: Always enable data labels to ensure clarity, as the overlapping shaded areas can make precise values harder to read.

Greg demonstrates how to activate data labels using the Format Your Visual (paintbrush icon) for better readability.

3. Matrix Visualization with Spark Lines

The third underutilized visual Greg explores is the Matrix Visualization with Spark Lines. While matrices are commonly used, the sparkline feature remains underused despite its ability to bring reports to life.

• Key Benefits:
  • Visualizes data trends within individual rows.
  • Ideal for performance tracking and comparisons over time.
• How to Add Spark Lines:
  • Click the matrix visual and expand the Values dropdown.
  • Select Add Sparkline and choose fields for the x-axis and y-axis.

Greg demonstrates how sparklines reveal data trends, such as bank failures over time, enhancing the matrix’s analytical power.

Bonus: Metrics Visual (The Hidden Gem)

As a bonus, Greg introduces the Metrics Visual, a powerful but often hidden feature in Power BI. This visual allows users to set and track performance goals directly within their reports.

• Key Features:
  • Track progress toward KPIs directly within the report.
  • Assign goals to team members and collaborate using the Power BI Service.
  • Set alerts and status updates like "On Track," "At Risk," or "Behind."
• How to Use Metrics Visuals:
  • Select the Trophy Icon in the visualizations pane.
  • Add metrics and define goals or link to a dataset for dynamic tracking.
  • Collaborate with team members using the Power BI Service.

This visual is perfect for tracking team goals, sales targets, or other business KPIs in a collaborative environment.

Conclusion

Greg’s list of underutilized Power BI visuals provides valuable alternatives to standard charts, making reports more engaging and informative. To recap, the visuals covered were:

• Ribbon Chart: Great for ranking data over time.
• Area Chart: Ideal for trend comparisons with data labels.
• Matrix with Sparklines: Enhances row-level trend visualization.
• Bonus – Metrics Visual: Perfect for goal tracking and collaboration.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.