Dashboard Metrics: Exploring Technical Solutions And Proposals

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Introduction

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into dashboard metrics, specifically focusing on the discussion within the ministryofjustice's analytical-platform category. This is all sparked by a feature request (https://github.com/ministryofjustice/analytical-platform/issues/7669) that aims to enhance how we track and understand dashboard usage. Our goal here is to explore the technical possibilities, capture our findings, and propose solutions that meet these requirements. Think of this as our brainstorming session, where we're laying out the groundwork for a more insightful and user-friendly dashboard experience. So, let's jump right in and see what we can cook up!

Context: Understanding the Need for Dashboard Metrics

To truly grasp the essence of this discussion, it's crucial to understand the context behind the feature request (https://github.com/ministryofjustice/analytical-platform/issues/7669). In essence, the request highlights a need for better visibility into how our dashboards are being used. This isn't just about vanity metrics; it's about gaining actionable insights. Are users actually engaging with the dashboards we've created? Which dashboards are the most popular, and which ones are gathering dust? Understanding these patterns allows us to optimize our dashboards, ensuring they deliver maximum value to our users. By tracking key metrics, we can identify areas for improvement, tailor content to user needs, and ultimately make more data-driven decisions. It’s about making sure our hard work translates into tangible benefits for the ministry. This proactive approach to dashboard management ensures that our analytical platform remains a valuable asset, evolving in tandem with the needs of its users.

Proposal: Investigating Technical Possibilities

The core of our discussion revolves around investigating the technical possibilities for meeting the requirements outlined in the feature request. This involves exploring different avenues for capturing and presenting dashboard metrics. We're not just looking for a quick fix; we're aiming for a robust and scalable solution that can grow with our needs. This investigation is a crucial step in ensuring we build a system that's both effective and sustainable. We need to consider factors like data storage, processing power, and the user interface for presenting these metrics. It's a bit like being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover the best approach. By thoroughly examining the technical landscape, we can make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls down the road. Remember, the goal is to empower ourselves with the right information to make our dashboards even better.

Initial Ideas: Brainstorming Solutions for Dashboard Metrics

Alright, let's get into some initial ideas! We've got a few concepts floating around, and it's time to flesh them out. One idea, inspired by the AWS example, involves creating a dedicated dashboard specifically for administrative purposes. This administrative console would provide a centralized view of usage metrics, allowing us to quickly identify trends and patterns. Another thought is to expose dashboard metrics within the Control Panel itself. Imagine a dedicated page for each registered dashboard, showcasing its key metrics. This would offer a more granular view, allowing dashboard creators to monitor the performance of their specific creations. Finally, we could explore tracking dashboard views directly within the Dashboard Service. This data could then be exposed within the Control Panel, providing a simple yet effective way to measure popularity. These are just starting points, of course, but they give us a solid foundation to build upon. What do you guys think? Any other bright ideas?

AWS Example: Building an Administrative Console

The AWS example (https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/big-data/building-an-administrative-console-in-amazon-quicksight-to-analyze-usage-metrics/) provides a compelling blueprint for how we might approach this. Their concept revolves around building an administrative console within Amazon QuickSight, a business intelligence service. This console serves as a central hub for analyzing usage metrics, offering insights into various aspects of the platform. We can draw inspiration from their approach by creating a similar dashboard within our own analytical platform. This dedicated dashboard could display key metrics such as dashboard views, user engagement, and data consumption. By leveraging existing tools and technologies, we can potentially create a powerful administrative console that empowers us to make data-driven decisions about our dashboards. The AWS example highlights the importance of a centralized view, making it easier to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. It’s a great starting point for visualizing how we can bring our own dashboard metrics to life.

Control Panel Integration: Exposing Dashboard Metrics

Another intriguing idea is to integrate dashboard metrics directly into our Control Panel. Imagine, for each dashboard that's been registered, a dedicated section within the Control Panel that exposes its key metrics. This could be a game-changer for dashboard creators, providing them with immediate feedback on the performance of their work. Think of it like this: a dashboard creator could log into the Control Panel, navigate to their specific dashboard, and see a snapshot of its usage – how many views it's getting, how long users are spending on it, and perhaps even which sections are the most popular. This level of granularity can be incredibly valuable, allowing creators to fine-tune their dashboards based on real-world usage data. It's about empowering them with the insights they need to make their dashboards even more effective. This integration would not only provide valuable data but also promote a culture of data-driven decision-making within the team. By making metrics easily accessible, we encourage creators to actively monitor and optimize their dashboards.

Dashboard Service Tracking: Capturing Views Directly

A more direct approach to tracking dashboard metrics involves capturing dashboard views within the Dashboard Service itself. This means embedding the logic to record views directly into the service that serves up the dashboards. Each time a user accesses a dashboard, a view event would be logged, capturing essential information like the dashboard ID, user ID, and timestamp. This data could then be aggregated and exposed within the Control Panel, providing a simple yet effective measure of dashboard popularity. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By tracking views at the source, we ensure accurate and reliable data collection. This method also allows us to track views across different dashboards, providing a comprehensive overview of usage patterns. Furthermore, this data can be used to identify trends over time, allowing us to see how dashboard popularity fluctuates and make informed decisions about resource allocation. It's a straightforward way to get a pulse on how our dashboards are being used, ensuring we're focusing our efforts on the areas that matter most.

Spike Requirements

Currently, there are no specific spike requirements defined for this investigation. However, this doesn't mean we're off the hook! It simply means we have the flexibility to shape our investigation based on our findings. As we delve deeper into the technical possibilities, we might identify specific areas that require further exploration – perhaps a spike to test a particular technology or a proof-of-concept to validate an idea. The key is to remain adaptable and responsive to the insights we uncover. We should be prepared to adjust our approach as needed, ensuring we're focusing our efforts on the most promising avenues. Think of it as an agile investigation, where we iterate and refine our approach based on what we learn along the way. By staying flexible, we can ensure we deliver the best possible solution for tracking and understanding dashboard metrics.

Definition of Done: Ensuring We've Covered Our Bases

To ensure we're all on the same page and that we've thoroughly addressed the objectives of this discussion, let's outline our Definition of Done:

  • Findings captured: We need to make sure we've documented all our findings in a clear and concise manner. This includes the technical possibilities we've explored, the challenges we've identified, and any potential solutions we've uncovered. Think of this as our investigation report, providing a comprehensive overview of our journey.
  • Proposed solutions discussed with the team: It's crucial that we've shared our proposed solutions with the team and gathered feedback. This collaborative discussion allows us to refine our ideas, identify potential drawbacks, and ensure we're aligned on the best path forward. Two heads are better than one, and a team is even better than two!
  • Next steps agreed: Finally, we need to agree on the next steps we'll take to move this initiative forward. This could involve further investigation, prototyping, or even implementation. The key is to have a clear plan of action, ensuring we're making steady progress towards our goal. By defining these clear steps, we can maintain momentum and keep the project on track.

Next Steps Agreed

So, what's next, guys? After hashing out these ideas, the agreed-upon next steps are crucial for turning our discussion into action. We need to prioritize further investigation into the most promising solutions. This might involve diving deeper into the technical feasibility of each approach, conducting some initial prototyping, or even reaching out to other teams for their insights. It's also important to define clear timelines and assign ownership for each task. Who's going to lead the charge on exploring the AWS example? Who's going to investigate the Control Panel integration? By assigning responsibility, we ensure that things don't fall through the cracks. Regular check-ins and progress updates will also be key to keeping everyone aligned and on track. Remember, the goal is to transform these ideas into tangible solutions that enhance our dashboard experience. Let's get to work and make it happen!