Moving Analog Indicators

Moving Analog Indicators are a great data visualization tool for presenting the status of something to your users in a easily digestible way. At first glance, if the current value (represented by the visible number and the arrow pointer) are within the 'ideal value' range, there is no need to look any further. You quickly release the user to move on to the rest of your dashboard’s information.

Alternatively, if there is a value being represented outside of your ideal range, it’s quickly understood whether it’s too high or too low, in addition to giving a contextual status indication which maps to a known issue.

I recommend replacing your dashboard’s gauge components with Moving Analog Indicators. They provide the same data, while also providing your using with so much more context about that data. They’re also a nice replacement for bar graphs, as when a bar graph has a very low value, it can be difficult or impossible to see the visualization. MAI’s solve this problem.

Data + Context = Information. As product and dashboard designers, it’s our job to provide context for our users and allow them to make the best decisions with that knowledge as possible.
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