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Dashboard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dashboard

[ˈdæʃˌbɔːrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

web application

A dashboard is a graphical user interface that provides at-a-glance views of key performance indicators relevant to a particular objective or business process. It typically consists of charts, graphs, and other visual representations of data.

Synonyms

control panel, homepage, interface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dashboard

Often used in the context of software or applications to refer to a user interface providing an overview of key information, metrics, or controls.

  • The project manager reviewed the analytics on the dashboard.
  • The car's dashboard displayed various warning lights.
control panel

Typically used for referring to the settings interface of a computer or system where you can configure and manage settings and hardware.

  • You can adjust the screen resolution from the control panel.
  • The technician accessed the control panel to troubleshoot the issue.
interface

A broader term used to describe any point of interaction between systems, software, or devices, often focusing on the design and usability aspects.

  • The software has a user-friendly interface.
  • The interface allows for seamless data transfer between different applications.
homepage

Used specifically to describe the main or initial screen of a website or web application that serves as the starting point for navigation.

  • Welcome to the company's homepage.
  • The homepage features links to all the major sections of the site.

Examples of usage

  • The sales team uses the dashboard to track monthly revenue.
  • The CEO checks the dashboard daily for real-time updates on company performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In the digital age, dashboards have expanded from vehicles to software, providing real-time data visualization for users.
  • Business dashboards aggregate key performance indicators (KPIs) into a single view, aiding decision-making processes.

Design

  • Effective dashboard design is crucial; the best ones use a mix of color, size, and layout to highlight what truly matters.
  • User experience (UX) principles guide dashboard creation to ensure users can interpret the information quickly.

Culture

  • In popular media, dashboards often symbolize control and awareness, as seen in movies or TV shows depicting high-tech vehicles.
  • The term 'dashboard' has made its way into everyday language, referring metaphorically to any interface where critical information is displayed.

Education

  • Dashboards are increasingly used in educational technology, helping teachers track student progress and engagement through visual data.
  • Learning management systems often feature dashboards that provide insights into student performance and course completion rates.

Origin of 'dashboard'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the horse-drawn carriages, where a 'dashboard' was a board to protect the driver from mud splashes.
  • The word combines 'dash' (to splatter) and 'board,' emphasizing its protective function at first.

The term 'dashboard' originated from the horse-drawn carriage era, where a board or leather apron protected the driver from mud or debris 'dashed' up by the horse's hooves. In the early 20th century, the term was adopted in the automotive industry to refer to the panel beneath the windshield where gauges and controls were located. The transition to digital dashboards occurred with the rise of computers and technology in the late 20th century, leading to the modern concept of a graphical user interface displaying key information.

See also: board, boarder, boarding, sideboard.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,673, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.