What is a dashboard in data visualization?

A dashboard in data visualization is fundamentally a visual representation of key metrics. It serves as a consolidated view where various data points are presented using graphics such as charts, graphs, and gauges. The primary purpose of a dashboard is to communicate complex information quickly and clearly, allowing users to monitor performance indicators, trends, and other insights at a glance. This makes it easy for stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the current state of their data.

Dashboards are commonly used in business intelligence to track performance metrics, such as sales figures, website traffic, and operational efficiency, allowing users to interact with the data in a meaningful way. By condensing large volumes of information into an easily digestible format, dashboards facilitate better understanding and analysis of data relationships and trends.

In contrast, other options describe different concepts that do not align with the core definition of a dashboard in data visualization. For instance, gathering expert opinions pertains more to qualitative data collection methods, comparing variable performance may refer to analytical techniques, and frameworks for stakeholder engagement involve strategic communication processes rather than visual data representation.