Why Data Animation Could Change Everything in 2020 — Plus 9 More Tableau Tips

The sunken place didn't pull me down right away. At Tableau Conference 2019, I did OK handling wave after wave of tips. My descent began, though, when Tableau posted nearly 400(!) videos from #TC19. I admit, I was drowning — “Too [gasp] many [gasp] tips.”

But then I fell back on my magazine experience for what to do with a sea of info: make a Top 10 list.

So here, for the first time in one place, is my Tableau Top 10 Tips Countdown. These talented TC19 presenters had invaluable insights on how to present data better than ever for 2020 and beyond. Click each image to see the short highlight tip or the "full video" link for the entire TC19 session. And yes, the No. 1 tip really could change everything.

10) Design in grayscale by Chantilly Jaggernauth

A classic way to rethink design challenges with dashboards and refocus on what's most important. Full video: Zen Master: Design Secrets for a Non-Designer

9) Layering data on a calendar by Jeffrey Shaffer

Add insights literally on top of one of the greatest data vizzes ever: the monthly calendar. Full video: Zen Master: 2-Minute Tips & Tricks

8) 80/20 Pareto charts in Tableau by Dustin Schimek

A compelling principle visualized and then applied to guide business strategy. Full video: How 80/20 & Tableau Simplified Master Lock's Business

7) Makeover with unique slope graphs by Eva Murray

The #MakeoverMonday guru gives a fresh, fast spin on slopes. Full video, including great audience submissions: #MakeoverMonday LIVE at TC19

6) Dashboard design checklist by Erin Waldron

Built on solid principles from Andy Cotgreave, this easy-to-follow list is an essential resource. Full video: The Dashboard Design Checklist

5) Two big things: text & text by Mike Cisneros

Sorry, that gave away Mike's payoff, but this session is loaded. Full video: Beyond Design — Secrets for Creating Engaging and Effective Information Experiences

4) Stickies on a story arc by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

Very low tech, very high impact from the leader of Storytelling With Data. Full video: Low-Tech Super Powers for Data Storytelling

3) What-if forecast visualization by Joshua Rauh

Complex what-if statistical model meets executive-friendly visuals in this forecast overview. Full video: The Forecast Looks Bright: Tableau Forecasting

2) The four-threshold method by Nick Desbarats

Unites metrics with specific valence levels to spark action — or not. Genius. Full video: The 13 Types of Displays (Unfortunately) Called "Dashboards"

1) New Tableau animations by Paul Isaacs

He encapsulates why this is a game changer for how we use and understand data in this demo with Phil Naranjo. Full video: Tableau in Motion | Tableau's New Viz Animations

These tips are already helping me evolve my approach to data for 2020. Thank you as always to the #datafam of Tableau.