# How do we make dashboards useful instead of just attractive?

Canonical: https://trutool.co/community/dashboard-useful-metrics
Author: Yash (https://trutool.co/authors/yash)
Last modified: 2026-10-08T16:11:05.281Z

Start with a decision and build only the metrics needed to make it. Define each metric, its source, owner, and update frequency. Give users a clear next action when a number changes, and validate the figures against the original data.

## Quick answer
Start with a decision and build only the metrics needed to make it. Define each metric, its source, owner, and update frequency. Give users a clear next action when a number changes, and validate the figures against the original data.

## Name the decision
Identify who will use the dashboard and what they can change. Avoid adding a chart solely because the data is available.

## Define and reconcile metrics
Document filters, timezones, exclusions, and formulas. Compare a small period with the original source and investigate differences.

## Set a review routine
Choose when the team reviews the dashboard, which changes matter, and who investigates exceptions. Remove metrics nobody uses.

## Before you decide
- Label date ranges and data freshness.
- Separate leading indicators from final outcomes.
- Include enough context to interpret a change.

## Keep in mind
A precise-looking chart can still be wrong if its metric definition or source data is inconsistent.

## Useful tools
- [Google Analytics](https://trutool.co/tools/google-analytics): Product teams and analysts considering Google Analytics for this job: Website and application analytics.
- [Mixpanel](https://trutool.co/tools/mixpanel): Product teams and analysts considering Mixpanel for this job: Product usage and event analytics.