From Report to Decision: A Simple Guide to Forecasting in Google Sheets

The ZOMBIE Framework might seem like a lot to remember. Watch the full video below for a complete walkthrough of each principle, including real-world examples and step-by-step instructions in Google Sheets. You'll see exactly how to apply these concepts to your own data dashboard design principles and start making smarter decisions today.

Most data dashboard fail to drive action because they are full of numbers but lack purpose. 

They become "zombie dashboards." They may look impressive but don't help leaders make better decisions. 

This happens when dashboards are cluttered with noise, bury critical insights, and slow down decision-making. You need a survival guide to apply dashboard design principles so your reports are clear, fast, and actionable.

Cut the noise. Don't include every metric you have. Focus on the KPIs that actually drive action. Place these essential insights at the top of your dashboard where they are easy to see fast. This helps you and your team focus on what matters most and avoid information overload.

Structure your dashboard like a survival map. Start with a summary, then show trends, and finally provide the details. Use clear headings and filters so users don't get lost. A good structure helps you move from understanding what happened to deciding what to do next.

Actively look for issues. This means consistently checking your data for anomalies, inconsistencies, or errors. By "motoring" your data, you can spot and address potential "infections" early. This process builds confidence and protects you from making decisions based on bad or unreliable information.

A good dashboard should be durable. It should continue to be useful even as your business evolves. This means building dashboards with clear, simple principles that can be easily updated and maintained. By making your dashboard "survivable," you ensure it remains a reliable tool over the long term, avoiding the common issue of dashboards becoming obsolete.

Good dashboards tell a story. Use visuals like charts and graphs to illustrate insights in a simple way. A clear illustration of data helps answer questions, strengthens trust in the data, and makes the dashboard more flexible for different people on your team. It moves beyond raw numbers to provide a clear picture of what is happening.

Create an environment where leaders can trust the data. This involves setting up a central source of truth, with consistent metrics and clear definitions. By doing this, you ensure everyone is looking at the same numbers, which helps you make better, more aligned decisions. A "safe zone" protects against confusion and gives your team the confidence they need to act.