Bringing clarity to transparency: a study of dashboard implementation in the public sector.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20335155

This paper explores the possibilities and potential of data dashboards created by public organizations such as government agencies or non-profits. The current state of the governmental dashboard is uneven, some communicate data clearly while others raise more questions than they are able to answer. Two case studies were conducted to identify a number of trending issues in the aesthetic choices and data organization of existing dashboards. Through the study of existing dashboards and their development over time particular issues have become evident. Through the study of public policies impacting the ability to publish public facing dashboards, new issues of workflow and resources become evident. By analyzing public policy alongside widely accepted design principles a consolidated set of rules and guidelines for the creation of standardized dashboard in the public sector were compiled. While taking into consideration the blockers and issues that these experts have encountered in their experience, a set recommendations have been generated in order to better their experience and improve their end products to increase transparency and communication between the public and government agencies--Author's abstract