22-25 April 2026 
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SQLBits 2026
Power BI - This is Not an Art Project
This session shifts the focus from designing “pretty” Power BI reports to creating clear, functional dashboards that actually help people make decisions. We look at end-user-first design, choosing visuals that add real value and keeping the data, not the decoration, at the center of every report.
Power BI is a powerful tool for data visualization, but too often, we get caught up in making reports look pretty, when the real goal should be to deliver clear, actionable insights. In this session, we’ll shift the focus from creating art to building functional, user-friendly reports that truly serve business needs.
Key Topics Covered:
The Real Purpose of Reports: Understanding the true goal of Power BI reports – it’s not about impressing with complexity, it’s about making data actionable and insightful.
End-User First Design: How to design reports based on the audience's needs, not just personal preferences.
Simplicity Over Flash: Why it’s important to choose the right visual for the right message – no flashy charts unless they add real value.
Data as the Focus, Not the Design: Prioritizing the story the data tells, not the colors or shapes around it.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to avoid overusing colors, unnecessary complexity, or adding visuals just because they’re available.
Target Audience:
This session is ideal for Power BI users, business analysts, and professionals who want to go beyond the "art project" mindset and focus on creating reports that truly meet business needs. Whether you're new to Power BI or experienced, this session will provide practical strategies for building more impactful, actionable reports.
Key Topics Covered:
The Real Purpose of Reports: Understanding the true goal of Power BI reports – it’s not about impressing with complexity, it’s about making data actionable and insightful.
End-User First Design: How to design reports based on the audience's needs, not just personal preferences.
Simplicity Over Flash: Why it’s important to choose the right visual for the right message – no flashy charts unless they add real value.
Data as the Focus, Not the Design: Prioritizing the story the data tells, not the colors or shapes around it.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to avoid overusing colors, unnecessary complexity, or adding visuals just because they’re available.
Target Audience:
This session is ideal for Power BI users, business analysts, and professionals who want to go beyond the "art project" mindset and focus on creating reports that truly meet business needs. Whether you're new to Power BI or experienced, this session will provide practical strategies for building more impactful, actionable reports.