5 Brutal Truths About Power BI Dashboard Architecture (Bad vs Good)

Read time: 2.5 minutes

How to Fix Broken Power BI Dashboards?

1. Lack of Data Models

• Undefined grain/schema.

• Incorrect relationships.

• Ownership issues with metrics.

Solution:

• Create your data model first.

• Use a star schema and well-defined relationships.

• Define your metrics before visualizing them.

2. DAX has become a Quick Fix Instead of a Solution

• Complex formulas/nested.

• Logic repeating across measures.

• Difficult to test/maintain.

Solution:

• Use DAX as a last resort, transform at source.

• Keep DAX simple and concise.

• Limit reliance on complex calculations.

3. Built for the Many but No One Uses it

• Too many visuals/filters.

• No defined purpose/target audience.

• Slow/overwhelming experience.

Solution:

• Build for one target audience.

• Focus on one decision/use case.

• Simplify visuals and interactions.

4. Invalid Data Damages Trust

• Different sources provide conflicting answers.

• Metrics have no standard definition.

• Confusion creates a lack of confidence.

Solution:

• Implement a single Version of the Truth (VOT).

• Standardize metric definitions.

• Manage data pipeline governance.

5. No Action Associated with Insight is Useless

• User views data but does not take action.

• User does not know how to take their next step / outcome.

Solution:

• Design dashboards with decisions in mind.

• Ensure every visual has a defined action.

• Measure impact, not just use.

💡Key Takeaway: 

If your base is flawed, no amount of evidence can change your decision, which will appear perfectly functioning.