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06-16-2017 10:57 AM
The Story
Most of the world is well aware that Seattle is on the up-and-up. Pick up a local newspaper and you'll find stories on emerging tech companies, articles on incoming investments, and rants on raising rent prices. Better yet… peer through the window of your favorite coffee shop and count the number of cranes on the horizon - it's magnificent!
I was curious to learn whether this growth could be captured and presented visually, and what type of dataset could support this. Shortly after, I stumbled upon the Seattle Building Permits dataset from data.seattle.gov (an excellent repository for data geeks).
The Perspective
Building permit data offers a sneak preview into the future of Seattle's construction climate. A few easy graphics can quickly paint the picture of growth. But what if we took the dashboard a step further and looked at the data through the eyes of someone directly involved in the industry? What types of questions would a salesman or contractor want to answer? What types of insights could they glean?
Perhaps you're a construction salesman researching prospective sites… maybe you're a contractor investigating the competition's strategy… you may even be a CEO deciding how to pivot your business. Whatever position you hold, this dashboard is meant to empower you to understand the market while enabling you to drill down into the details and research specific events.
The Questions
Efficient analysis typically begins with a few key questions that provide initial framework and focus the mind. The goal of this dashboard is to reasonably deduct answers to the following questions:
Building Climate Overview Tab (from top to bottom)
Contractor Competition Tab
Category Growth Tab
The Design
The underlying dataset is simple in nature and didn't require much manipulation to get the dashboard off the ground. Thus, the focused is shifted from the complexities of the data to the design elements and visual flow of the dashboard. The ultimate goal is for the dashboard to be attractive, intuitive, and easily understood. With these pillars in place, work insights become interesting and easy to find!
To operate the Dashboard, please complete the following steps:
Adjust the time frame using the top slider bar.
You'll notice that this slider corresponds to the bar chart below, representing the value of the deals in a given timeframe.
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Hello would you please share the file! Thanks
Dashboard has an interesting idea
Hi @TaylorJD ! Great report! Wondering if you still have a copy? I'm new to Power BI and trying to understand the program through reverse engineering. Love the theme and was hoping to capitalise on an existing design. Cheers, Pete (Sydney, Australia).
Hi Pete! Unfortunately I no longer have the .pbix file to download - sorry I can't be more help!
Hi, Is it possible for me to download this dashboard please?
Hi @harisnadeem ! Unfortunately I no longer have the .pbix file to download - sorry I can't be more help!
Great visuals! How are your leaders using this dashboard. I work for local government and have a hard time getting decisions makers to use interactive visuals.
Hi @mlcollins - as far as I know, nobody is using this dashboard. I created it purely out of personal interest, for the sake of practice. Do you work in the Seattle area? If so, I'm happy to connect.
Hello, @TaylorJD I am building a similar report for a client of mine. Do you remember some of the measures you used to show which permits were on the fastest track? Page 3. Thanks
Paul
Hi @TaylorJD , this theme looks aesthetic. I wish to use it can I get the theme file for my report?
Hi @MilapM ! Unfortunately I no longer have the .pbix file to download - sorry I can't be more help!
Great reports! Is your jursidiction using this? I have a hard time getting decision makers to understand the power of this kind of tool. I also, work for local government.
Awesome report!
Thanks for the kudos!