Visualizations are graphic representations of data designed to present complex information quickly and clearly. They include charts, graphs, tables, or components that provide a unified view of the data. In Power Platform, visualizations provide an interactive way to display and consume data from the configured model-driven application.
Meaning of Model-Driven Dashboards
Model-driven dashboards, within the context of Power Platform, are dashboards that stem from the underlying business data model – the metadata, relationships, forms, views, and charts. Users can design these dashboards to fit their business needs using the model’s components and view the dashboards across various data dimensions, hence simplifying data analysis.
Visualizations for Model-Driven Dashboards
Visualizations on a model-driven dashboard help users understand business metrics, operational data, trends, and much more. These dashboards can house multiple visualizations, offering a consolidated snapshot of the data landscape. For instance, you can have a sales dashboard that showcases several visualizations like sales revenue by region, sales by product, pending invoices, etc.
Creating Visualizations for Model-Driven Dashboards
Visualizations in Power Platform rely on the defined business data model’s entities and attributes. Here is a step by step guide on creating them:
- Navigate through the Power Apps portal: Open the Power Apps portal and choose ‘Solutions’. Click on ‘New solution’ and provide the required details like display name, name, publisher, and version. Click on ‘Create’.
- Choose an entity: After the solution is created, click on ‘New’, select ‘Entity’, and choose the desired entity for which you want to create the visualization.
- Define the Visualization: Click on ‘New’, select ‘Chart’, and provide details like display name and description. You can choose from different chart types like column, bar, line, pie, funnel, etc.
- Set Data properties: Define the data to be shown on the vertical axis (Y-axis) and group by attribute (X-axis). You can also set additional properties like show labels, display the series with, etc.
- Save and Publish: After making the necessary adjustments, save and publish your chart.
This process creates a new chart visualization that you can incorporate into your model-driven dashboards. You can customize these visualizations to suit a specific business context, and users can interact with them for in-depth insights.
Remember, while defining visualization for model-driven dashboards, consider the end-user’s perspective. Keep it simple, use appropriate chart types, and ensure that the visualization provides meaningful insights.
In conclusion, defining visualizations for model-driven dashboards enhances data analysis and decision-making. As you prep for your PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker exam, understand the benefits of efficient data visualization in creating powerful, interactive dashboards that enable actionable insights.
Practice Test
True or False: Model-driven apps in Power Platform are mostly built on data and business processes defined in Dataverse.
– True
– False
Answer: True
Explanation: Model-driven apps are designed to help you efficiently build applications that can be backed by data from Microsoft Dataverse or various other data sources.
What is the primary purpose of visualization in model-driven dashboards?
– A) To make the dashboard visually appealing
– B) To represent underlying data in an understandable format
– C) To display images and graphics
– D) All of the above
Answer: B) To represent underlying data in an understandable format
Explanation: Visualization in model-driven dashboards is about transforming data into visual insights that help end-users understand the data better.
Microsoft Power Platform supports which of the following types of data visualization tools?
– A) Charts
– B) Dashboards
– C) Power BI reports
– D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Microsoft Power Platform supports a broad range of data visualization tools including charts, dashboards, and Power BI reports.
True or False: In Microsoft Power Platform, model-driven app design does not include designing business situations.
– True
– False
Answer: False
Explanation: Model-driven app design includes creating forms, views, dashboards, and devising scenarios for common business situations.
What does a model-driven app start with?
– A) An underlying database design
– B) Dashboard configuration
– C) Graphics design
– D) User interface design
Answer: A) An underlying database design
Explanation: Model-driven apps start with your data model – building up from the shape of your core business data and processes in the Dataverse to model forms, views, and other components.
Which tool is used to create user interfaces for model-driven apps in Microsoft Power Platform?
– A) Power Apps Studio
– B) Power BI
– C) Power Automate
– D) Power SQL
Answer: A) Power Apps Studio
Explanation: Power Apps Studio allows App Makers to build and customize user interfaces for model-driven apps.
True or False: The only purpose of a model-driven app is to present data in a visually appealing way.
– True
– False
Answer: False
Explanation: While presenting data in a visually appealing way is one purpose, model-driven apps also help automate processes and simplify business tasks.
Can Power BI reports be embedded in a model-driven app dashboard?
– A) Yes
– B) No
Answer: A) Yes
Explanation: Power BI reports can be embedded in a model-driven app dashboard, providing interactive and powerful visual reporting capabilities.
Which of the following actions is mandatory while designing a Dashboard in Microsoft Power platform?
– A) Adding charts
– B) Adding a Data model
– C) Adding Power BI reports
– D) None of the above
Answer: D) None of the above
Explanation: None of these actions are mandatory. Dashboards can be designed based on the specific needs and requirements of the business or task.
True or False: Power Platform App Maker can customize the app navigation for model-driven apps.
– True
– False
Answer: True
Explanation: Using Power Apps Studio, an App Maker can customize the site map to set the navigation for model-driven apps.
Interview Questions
What is a model-driven dashboard in Microsoft Power Platform?
A model-driven dashboard in Microsoft Power Platform is a single-page interface on which various visualizations are displayed to provide users with an overview of key metrics and data points.
How can you define visualizations in a model-driven dashboard?
Visualizations in a model-driven dashboard are graphical representations of data, such as charts, graphs, or KPIs, that enable users to quickly understand and analyze information.
What types of visualizations can be included in a model-driven dashboard?
Common types of visualizations that can be included in a model-driven dashboard are bar charts, pie charts, line charts, area charts, maps, and gauges.
How do visualizations help in presenting data effectively in a model-driven dashboard?
Visualizations help in presenting data effectively in a model-driven dashboard by making complex information more comprehensible and enabling users to spot trends, patterns, and insights at a glance.
What are key considerations when defining visualizations for a model-driven dashboard?
Key considerations when defining visualizations for a model-driven dashboard include selecting the right type of visualization for the data, ensuring that the visualizations are clear and easy to interpret, and choosing appropriate colors and formatting.
How can users interact with visualizations in a model-driven dashboard?
Users can interact with visualizations in a model-driven dashboard by drilling down into data, filtering data based on criteria, and clicking on elements to see more details or perform actions.
What role do filters play in defining visualizations for a model-driven dashboard?
Filters in a model-driven dashboard allow users to focus on specific subsets of data, customize views according to their preferences, and analyze information from different perspectives.
How can dynamic data binding enhance visualizations in a model-driven dashboard?
Dynamic data binding in a model-driven dashboard enables visualizations to update in real time as underlying data changes, providing users with the most current insights and information.
Which Microsoft Power Platform components can be integrated to create interactive visualizations in a model-driven dashboard?
To create interactive visualizations in a model-driven dashboard, components such as Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate can be integrated to leverage their capabilities for data visualization, app development, and automation.
What best practices should be followed when defining visualizations for a model-driven dashboard?
Best practices for defining visualizations in a model-driven dashboard include keeping visualizations simple and focused, using meaningful labels and legends, providing context for data interpretation, and ensuring consistency in design across different visualizations.