Power BI - This is Not an Art Project
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
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.
Session Details
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.
3 things you'll get out of this session
Understand how to design reports that support real decisions instead of visual flare.
Learn how to choose visuals and formatting that keep the focus on the data.
Avoid common design pitfalls and build reports that are simple, clear and actionable.
Speakers
Valerie Junk's other proposed sessions for 2026
Dashboard Design - The icing on the cake - 2026
Get Creative with Power BI: Make these core visuals shine! - 2026
My Real-Time Intelligence Journey: From Power BI Data Visualization to Streaming Data - 2026
Power BI Tables and Matrix Visuals: The Next Step - 2026
Data Literacy: Navigating Your Way to Data-Driven Success! - 2026
A structured approach to (Power BI) report creation - 2026
Valerie Junk's previous sessions
Visualizing Data for Non-Data Experts: Making Reports Accessible to All
Learn how to visualize data in a way accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. In this session, you will learn to identify your audience's needs, select the appropriate visualizations for your data, and present your findings clearly and concisely.
ADHD - Failing at normal (and dealing with a mind that needs stimulation to focus)
Experience and tips and tricks on how to (better) deal with the challenges going together with ADHD. And of course, also, how to use the “positive side effects” to your advantage during your career.