Use data research widgets when you want to turn readings into a dashboard view that is easy to scan.

These widgets depend on the right data source and metric context being available first.

Open the data research widget menu

1. Open a dashboard.
2. Click Dashboard options next to the time range.
3. Click Add widget.
4. Open the Data Research category.

KPI

Use KPI to highlight one primary value.

This widget can also show:

• comparison to the previous time period
• a trend view
• gauges
• color ranges
• formatted time output

Use it when one value is the main story on the page.

Grouped KPI

Use Grouped KPI when you want KPI-style values split by a grouping dimension instead of shown as one total.

This is useful when the same metric needs to be compared across categories.

KPI Table

Use KPI Table when you want a tabular KPI summary instead of a single-value card.

This is useful when the dashboard should show several KPIs together in one compact block.

Column

Use Column when you want a vertical comparison between values or categories.

This is a good choice when users need to compare magnitudes quickly.

Bar

Use Bar when the same comparison reads better horizontally, especially when labels are longer or category names take more space.

Pie

Use Pie when the main question is how a total is split across parts.

Use it carefully. It works best when there are only a few segments and the relationship between parts matters more than exact value comparison.

Turn on Show Legend in the chart options when the slice labels are hard to read on the chart itself, or when you want the segment names listed beside it.

Time series

Use Time series when the change over time is the main story.

This widget is useful for trends, direction, seasonality, and before-versus-after review.

Indicator

Use Indicator when you want a compact at-a-glance signal rather than a full chart.

This widget is useful when the dashboard needs a fast visual status check.

If the field you point it at is a yes/no field, the indicator now reads True or False instead of a raw value, so a status tile says what it means without extra setup.

Common setup pattern

Most data research widgets follow a similar setup:

1. choose the source channel or data context
2. choose the metric or function
3. choose the display style
4. review the preview
5. save the widget

Tips

• Use KPI and Indicator for summary rows and top-of-page status.
• Use Column, Bar, Pie, and Time series when users need more explanation and pattern recognition.
• Use KPI Table when the dashboard needs a compact operational summary without many separate cards.