# Concept: Dashboards

## Use Cases: When to Use Each Dashboard Chart

#### Why This Matters

Dashboards give you multiple ways to visualize your work. The key is choosing the **right chart type** for the question you’re trying to answer. Use this guide to understand the mental model behind each chart.

### Number Chart → *Quick snapshots*

**Use when:**

* You need a single, high-level metric.
* You want to track progress against a goal.
* You need at-a-glance visibility in a meeting.

**Examples:**

* “Hours spent on project work this week”
* “Number of overdue tasks”
* “Completed projects this quarter”

### Bar Chart → *Comparisons*

**Use when:**

* You want to compare categories side by side.
* You’re looking for imbalances or bottlenecks.
* You need to segment tasks/projects across teams, assignees, or stages.

**Examples:**

* “Tasks by assignee”
* “Projects by stage”
* “Hours logged per workspace”

### Pie Chart → *Proportions*

**Use when:**

* You need to show how work is distributed.
* You want to highlight balance vs. imbalance across categories.
* Percentages matter more than raw counts.

**Examples:**

* “Task status distribution (Todo vs. In Progress vs. Completed)”
* “Breakdown of tasks by priority”
* “Projects by workspace”

### Line Chart → *Trends over time*

**Use when:**

* You want to track progress or velocity.
* You’re monitoring workloads, deadlines, or completion rates across weeks or months.
* You’re looking for spikes, dips, or long-term trends.

**Examples:**

* “Tasks started per week (last 90 days)”
* “Hours logged per month”
* “Project completions per quarter”

#### Putting It Together

* **Number charts** → best for one key metric.
* **Bar charts** → best for comparisons.
* **Pie charts** → best for proportions.
* **Line charts** → best for trends.

Think of them like different lenses: pick the one that best answers your question.


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