# Data Research Widgets

Source: https://help.zira.us/docs/dashboards/data-research-widgets
Summary: Use data research widgets to show KPIs, grouped values, chart trends, and visual summaries from dashboard data sources.
Updated: 2026-09-16

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.