Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of Power BI reports—some amazing, some disappointing, and everything in between. What stands out most is how users, from all walks of life, interact with these reports. Whether they’re seasoned analysts or someone new to business intelligence, watching users engage with Power BI reports reveals a lot about how we, as BI developers, can improve our craft.
One key lesson I’ve learned: the small details matter. Every decision you make when building a report should aim to answer the most important question: What do your stakeholders need to know, and how can you get them to that answer quickly and efficiently?
Focus on the User
When working with those new to Power BI, I always emphasize the importance of thinking about the user experience—even in the early stages of report development. It’s easy to get excited about creating a complex data model or discovering new ways to visualize trends. But the reality is that Power BI is a powerful tool, and it’s easy to accidentally build something that confuses or frustrates users. Worse, a poorly designed report can quickly lose credibility and cause users to lose confidence in the entire system.
I’ve seen this happen too many times: if your reports are consistently poor, the users will stop engaging with them altogether.
A Cautionary Tale: The Filter Pane
I remember the introduction of the Filter Pane feature years ago. It offered a new way for users to interact with reports by adjusting the data they saw. But despite its potential, many users didn’t even know it existed. As a result, I started explaining it to decision-makers and managers who were unaware of its presence. Eventually, I stopped using it altogether, except for more technical teams. In my experience, users are much more likely to interact with slicers that are visible on the page, providing immediate and clear feedback by filtering all visuals at once—especially when slicers are synced across pages.
The Importance of Visual Interactions
Another crucial detail is ensuring that visual interactions work properly on every page. It can be tedious, but trust me—it’s worth the effort. There’s nothing more frustrating for users than trying to figure out why visuals are showing the wrong data, especially when they’ve accidentally clicked something in a matrix visual. Before publishing a report, double-check the interactions between visuals, and put yourself in the user’s shoes. Test everything. You’ll be glad you did!
Layering and Visual Overlaps
A common issue I often see is poor layering of visuals, leading to frustration when users try to click on elements. Power BI can make it easy to overlap visuals, especially when trying to make the most out of limited space. But this can create problems for your users, who may struggle to click on the intended visuals or icons.
To prevent this, use the Selection Pane and make sure there’s enough space between your visuals. Taking a few minutes to organize your layers and interactions will make a significant difference to the overall user experience.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is what transforms a good Power BI report into a great one—and the same applies to becoming a great Power BI developer. While Power BI’s user interface and experience are often overlooked, considering how different users will interact with your report is essential. The best way to ensure a smooth experience is to test the report with actual users. Observe how they navigate, take notes, and adjust accordingly.
My Top Three Recommendations for Power BI Builders
- Reconsider the Filter Pane: Unless your users are seasoned Power BI veterans, avoid relying on the Filter Pane. It’s often overlooked and can create confusion.
- Test Visual Interactions Thoroughly: Check all interactions between visuals before publishing your report. Think like a user, and try to break it.
- Layer Wisely: Be mindful of how you layer visuals. The Selection Pane is invaluable for keeping your visuals organized and making duplication easier.
Thanks for reading, and happy developing!