Starting with a blank canvas is hard. Where do the KPIs go? How many charts per page? These three proven layouts give you a starting point that works.
Pattern 1: The Executive Summary
Best for: Leadership updates, high-level status reports
Structure:
- Top row: 3-5 large KPI cards showing the most critical metrics
- Middle: 1-2 primary charts showing trends or breakdowns
- Bottom: Supporting details or secondary metrics
Why it works: Executives can get the answer in 5 seconds by looking at the top row. If they want more detail, they scroll down. The hierarchy matches how they think. This pattern directly addresses why executives ignore reports — it respects their time.
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Download Free TemplatePattern 2: The Analytical Deep-Dive
Best for: Analysts, operational teams, detailed exploration
Structure:
- Left sidebar: Slicers and filters
- Top: Page title and key context (date range, segment)
- Main area: 4-6 charts organized by theme
- Related metrics grouped together
Why it works: Power users need to slice and filter frequently. Keeping controls on the left keeps them accessible without disrupting the main content.
Pattern 3: The Hub and Spoke
Best for: Complex reports with multiple audiences
Structure:
- Hub page: High-level overview with navigation to detail pages
- Spoke pages: Focused deep-dives on specific topics
- Consistent navigation on every page to return to hub
Why it works: Different users need different depths. The hub gives everyone orientation; the spokes let people self-serve the detail they need.
Choosing the Right Pattern
Ask yourself:
- Who's the primary audience? (Executive Summary for leaders, Analytical for analysts)
- How will they use it? (Quick status check vs. deep exploration)
- How complex is the content? (Hub and Spoke for multi-topic reports)
You can also combine patterns. An executive summary page as the hub, with analytical deep-dive spokes.
The Bottom Line
Don't start from zero. Pick a pattern that fits your use case and adapt it. A proven layout gets you 80% of the way there before you place a single visual.
Want a faster way to apply these patterns? Download the free BI Blueprint starter template.