liveBook · Manning

Filtering

As explained in Effective Data Analysis

A data-selection operation that restricts displayed or analyzed records according to specified criteria.

Filtering restricts a report or dashboard to the records most relevant to a question. In self-service analytics, filters and parameters let stakeholders explore subsets independently, such as customers by subscription type or location. section 12.3.1

Effective filtering depends on choosing inputs that support stakeholder decisions:

  • Select meaningful dimensions, such as subscription type or customer location, rather than exposing every available field. section 12.3.1
  • Combine filters with visualizations and grouping variables so users can examine metrics from several useful angles. section 12.3.3
  • Document filters clearly and arrange them in a logical flow, helping new users work with dashboards confidently. section 12.3.3

Dashboard filtering exercise

Build a dashboard with two to four visualizations, then add filters for valuable stakeholder dimensions. Include clear labels and instructions, publish the dashboard to a public cloud, and request peer feedback. section 12.3.3

Figure 12.7 Adding information about your data and self-service tools to new employee onboarding documentation can help maximize their visibility.
figure

Use onboarding documentation to make filtering and self-service tools visible to new employees. section 12.3.1

How Effective Data Analysis covers it

How deep it goes
Explains report inputs, dashboard selection, and placement, without detailing underlying filter implementation.
Examples
Uses subscription type, customer location, dashboard charts, and sales or social-media metrics as filtering contexts.
What it assumes
Assumes awareness of stakeholder questions and analytics deliverables while teaching filter selection and arrangement through practice.
What you can do after
Build it from scratch by creating a dashboard with selected filters, visualizations, labels, instructions, and peer feedback.
How it connects
Connects filtering with self-service analytics, dashboards, parameters, visualization, grouping variables, and stakeholder onboarding.

Also explained in

Compare how 33 books explain filtering →

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Effective Data Analysis. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.