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Aesthetics: Making your dashboard not only functional but also nice to interact with, encouraging more people to use it.
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Navigation: Ensuring users can easily find what they need and move around within the dashboard seamlessly.
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Custom Visualizations: Learning how to go beyond basic charts to create tailored visuals that communicate data effectively.
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Interactivity: Implementing elements that users can click, filter, or manipulate, providing a dynamic experience.
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Usefulness: Creating tables, maps, and scorecards that become useful for further analysis or supporting decision-making.
Dashboard Intensive: PowerBi for Survey Data
Learn practical skills in creating clear, meaningful, advanced visuals that bring your survey data to life using Power BI.
This course is designed for teams who do humanitarian, development and third-sector
surveys.
Does your team struggle with transforming raw survey data into actionable visuals?
Are the voices and needs of the very people you serve getting lost in spreadsheets?
Effective humanitarian work depends on data, yes - but if we collect data and can’t visualise it in a way that encourages and allows engagement and decision-making, it means we miss out on that effectiveness!
Who This Programme is For?
NGOs, Charities, and Social Enterprises that need to report meaningful results from their survey data.
You're a change-maker, an aid worker, an innovator or a data champion who knows that there is a better way to:
- Show the impact of your work to donors, managers and stakeholders.
- Create internal and donor reports with fast turnaround times.
- Make better evidence-based decisions.
- Present your results in an interactive dashboard that is consistent with your branding.
- Base your visualisations on advanced calculations that allow you to present exactly the indicators you need.
- Promote standard data visualisation approaches across global programmes - but allow contextualisation.
- Use data to serve your beneficiaries with the same level of attention and care you serve your donors.
If you want to scale up and grow your funding - you need good data. But that means you need to be able to report and communicate your data effectively, too.

Maybe you're a...
M&E Advisor or Programme Quality Advisor
whose team is responsible for communicating insights from survey data.
M&E or Information Management Officer
who collects, manages, and analyses data with their team.
Programme Manager
who is required to analyse and make decisions based on regular data.
Founder or Director
trying to design a global dashboard for standardising data across multiple countries, and need to get your tech staff upskilled in Power BI.
Localisation Champion
looking for a skill-based capacity building programme that methodically teaches local staff humanitarian approaches to better data analysis and reporting.
Local Organisation
that wants to excel at professional data management for better service delivery to beneficiaries and accountability to donors.
Partner Organisation
that wants to excel at professional data management for better service delivery to beneficiaries and accountability to donors.
You're in the right place. And I'm going to show you exactly how Dashboard Intensive will give you, your staff and partners the tools and knowledge to start building high-quality and professional dashboards that clearly visualise your data to improve your accountability, your understanding of results, your decision-making approach, and your ability to communicate impact through data to increase your funding.
This course will walk you and your team members through 7 hours of LIVE training split over two sessions to learn intermediate to advanced dashboard design skills like:
What do former students say?
"Must-have session..."
~Ye Min
"I have applied new KoBo techniques in the work. I did not know and did not use cascade selection before joining KoBo coaching session. Now I can use this method for our endline survey. Other techniques also very useful and will apply it in my work. This session is a must have for anyone who wants to really improve their KoBo skill."
"Enthusiastic and educational"
~Grant
"It was enthusiastic and educative. I learned a lot during this coaching. Now I can import data from Kobo to Excel and use numbers easily. Also I am create cascade question easily thanks to this coaching. I will tell [my colleagues] that there are still a lot of tricks that we do not know even though we use Kobo from long time."
"I can't express my gratitude..."
~Anthony
"I can't express my gratitude to you how I have benefitted through your online videos. I'm now one of key persons at our Campus in Electronic Survey, Design and Implementation. Only that they don't know that all I have is as a result of many people including you. Thank you."
"Janna got me started in mobile data collection..."
~Mustapha
"Please let Janna and her cute baby know I appreciate their work. Their video tutorials got me started with mobile data collection."
So What's Included in the Training Programme?
~Course Curriculum~
Module One
Meet your dataset and get a rapid course overview!

Module Two
Create more ‘space’ on your report pages & help your users find their way around. Different from your ‘average’ dashboard, ‘survey’ dashboards have a LOT of different indicators to show - so you need to make some extra room for all those charts!

Module Three
We’ll go a bit deeper into your ‘common’ visuals like bar charts, KPI cards, tables, and pie charts. We’ll look at using DAX measures and hierarchies and custom formatting to take these everyday charts to the next level.

Module Four
Many surveys use a likert scale to gain insight into people’s opinions or experiences - how do you visualise likert data in Power BI? And what if you want to use a ‘lollipop’ chart to show off your data? We’ll look at ways to bend and twist charts to make them work for these more advanced visuals, as well as (again) getting your DAX sorted out!

Module Five
We’ll jump quickly into those KPI cards again, but this time look at turning them into a dynamic scoreboard using DAX.

Module Six
And finally - we’ll end with a custom shape map, a regional overview map, and a point map with useful tooltips to show your indicators geographically!

When you enroll during this special, time-limited period, you'll get...
Dashboard Intensive
($1100 Value)
6 Implementation Modules
Showing you how to take your PowerBi dashboards to the next level. We'll cover a few basics in the first module, but by module 2 you'll be moving into intermediate and advanced level techniques.
Cheatsheets for Validations, Calculations, and More
When you want to visualise your data more effectively - you need to know the right formulas and equations to use. This course is packed full of cheatsheets, downloads, and example visuals so you're on the right track to take lessons from the course and put them directly to use in your own dashboards!
PowerBI Dashboard Templates with every Module
Which you can use and modify as you like!
8 Weeks of Community Support
On the first day of training, you'll be given access to the first module of Dashboard Intensive. This will allow us to journey through the modules together. Each week you'll get access to one new module, except for week 4 and 8, when we'll take 'implementation weeks' (allowing you to catch up and put into practice everything you're learning!)
There may be additional resources produced and uploaded throughout the 8 weeks - especially if additional support might be needed on a specific topic. So - you'll always get a notification when new material is made available!
When you enroll, you'll also get access to these extra bonuses...
(An Extra $717 Value)
"Getting Started with PowerBi"
If you're a beginner, brand new to KoboToolbox, then this course will get you all set-up in seven easy steps, ready to take on the more advanced topics in "Mastering Form Design". You'll get access to this course when you enroll, as a bonus to help you get started.
Individual Review & Certification
If you do the work (1 assignment per module, 1 test per module, and participating in the community dialogue) then you'll achieve a certificate by the end of the course. The certification is based on your work, which will be reviewed individually - so I'll be helping you achieve success!
Weekly LIVE Group Sessions on Zoom
To help answer questions you have about the modules, and actually APPLYING those concepts in your own work. We will help each other achieve success with mastering KoboToolbox form design techniques. Come. Ask anything.
That's not all! You'll ALSO get access to these BRAND NEW resources!!
(another $398 in value!!)
3-Months Access to the “Mastering KoBo Community”
Enjoy this brand new members-only area where you'll ask questions, get answers, brainstorm new ideas, and build your understanding of how to actually implement what you're learning!
“Getting Started in Power BI for XLSForm Users”
This brand new course will be released mid-way through the Mastering Form Design training programme. It is a step-by-step training course on how to take the KoBoToolbox data you're collecting - and transform it into a Power BI dashboard!
Plus You'll be backed by a Risk-Free 30-Day Guarantee
Look, you work in the social sector and so do I. So let me be upfront with you.
Data collection is crucial. It's the foundational skill for good data analysis and decision-making. It's crucial for running good programmes. It's crucial for making an impact. It's crucial for keeping your existing funding and securing new funding.
But the capacity to actually use the software well is almost more important than the software itself. Mastering Form Design in KoboToolbox is created specifically for addressing this capacity gap, especially for remote and local teams. Your investment into the data-literacy and data-capacity of your global teams and partners is a good one.
But I want to make double-sure you know it’s a good investment. If you (or one of your team) starts the course, does the first two modules (where you'll complete an audit of your existing forms and get into the nitty-gritty of validation equations), and still don't think the course is right for you, then just email me, show me you've put in the work, and we'll refund your investment.
*Photo Credit: Image by Carina Chen from Pixabay
Prerequisites, Methodology, and How it All Works
Here's a bit of helpful info
This course is a step-by-step video-based training programme meant for existing users of Power BI, who need to improve their basic dashboard skills.
On the two main teaching days of the training, you'll take a 4-hour intensive live session on Zoom each day, where you'll cover all the basics of the “DASHBRD” method and get into advanced data visualisation techniques ideal for humanitarian data.
You'll need to have Power BI Desktop installed on your computer, good Internet connection, and a LOVE of dashboards.
The course tutor will be LIVE on Zoom each Thursday for three additional weeks to support with additional instruction, answer your questions and help you implement the techniques with your own data.
Learners will have a full year of access to the course content online though the Humanitarian Data Academy platform, including all videos, downloadable resources, and support discussions.
Learners can expect to spend a total of about 16 hours on the learning content and assignments.
Assignments will be individually reviewed as part of the certification process.
If you're an absolute beginner and have never used Power BI before, the Bonus Course "Getting Started in Power BI" will give you an intro to getting setup and creating your first dashboard. You'll need to put in additional work of your own to play around with Power BI to visualise your own programme data so you can start to figure out what else you want/need to know in Power BI to visualise and analyse your own datasets. So, although 'Dashboard Intensive' itself is not designed for absolute beginners, you can definitely challenge yourself and succeed with a bit of extra work up front! About 10% of past students have been fairly new to Power BI.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much time do I need to take the course?
You'll get access to modules and lessons on a weekly basis.
It might take you approximately 2-5 hours per week to complete the course.
There are about 8 hours of video-teaching in total, which doesn't include you actually putting those topics to use, doing the practice, doing the assignments, or implementing it into your own work. So keep that in mind as you're planning your time.
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What is required for certification?
I'm so excited to get students certified! If a student would like a certificate at the end of the course, then there are three basic requirements:
1) You achieve a 70% passing grade on each module quiz
2) You submit the assignment for each module and receive a passing grade (but don't worry - I'll help you get there!!)
3) You participate at least once in the discussion sections in each module, either leaving your own thoughts/comments/questions or helping someone else out.
There are two deadlines in the course (because I've talked to so many students who keep telling me that deadlines help them actually ACHIEVE and get things done):
1) 16th June 2024 - all tests and assignments for Modules 1, 2, and 3 are due
2) 14th July 2024 - all tests and assignments for Modules 4, 5, and 6 are due
Let's be honest, life happens. So if you're going to run into problems with the deadlines, then email me for help. -
Do I need good internet access to the course?
Yes. The course is video-based and runs on the Thinkific Platform online, so access to internet is necessary for accessing the course materials.
If you have some staff that do not have good access to internet, there are alternative ways of delivering the course material, which can be arranged. -
What language is the course in?
The course is taught in English, however has been designed with the knowledge that almost all learners may speak English as a second language.
Written materials, captions, and video-based step-by-step tutorials are used to explain all concepts.
If you have capacity-building needs in another language, please get in touch directly at [email protected]
Multi-lingual training resources are in the plan for the future. -
What if I can't afford the course?
Depending on the size of your organisation and the availability of funding for professional development, you might not be able to afford the course.
If you work for a local or national organisation, with less than $100,000 annual turnover, you may be eligible for subsidized access, so please email [email protected]
Otherwise, if you cannot afford the full fee, please email [email protected] to explain your circumstances and a subsidy may be possible, depending on your international funding partnerships.
If you work for a larger company or international NGO or donor, and would like to subsidize access for staff of small/local organisations, social enterprises, governments, or students who have self-selected that they want and need this course, please do get in touch directly at [email protected] -
Can I pay for someone else to take this course?
Yes! In the spirit of the social sector, by all means, please enable smaller and local organisations to access this course by either subsidizing their fee or paying the full amount on their behalf. Please contact [email protected] for help in arranging this.
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How can I pay for the course?
If you use the payment method through this website, it allows you to pay by credit card or PayPal.
Most organisations prefer to receive an invoice and pay by bank transfer. If this is your preferred method of payment, please contact directly [email protected].
If you are a team based in a field location, and a headquarters office will pay for your access, please email [email protected] and cc the relevant contact who will arrange payment by bank transfer. -
If I pay for 6-pack or 25-pack access, how will those 6 or 25 people gain access to the course?
If you want to sign up multiple participants, we have discounts for groups of 6 or more and 25 or more. Please email [email protected].
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Can I pay by invoice?
Yes you can! If you'd like to receive an invoice for your purchase and pay by bank transfer please email [email protected].
Still "thinking about it"?
You should give Dashboard Intensive a try if you or your organisation is motivated by any of the following:
Great dashboards being used across all your teams
If you're like many organisations, you probably have "pockets" of data skills - a team here or a partner there that's really great, and then a lot of other teams or partners that are struggling to keep up. If they know you're investing in them, and know they have the support they need...then what might be possible?
I've worked both at field level as well as from support-office locations. I know it's hard to get consistent skills-training across multiple locations! It was one of the main reasons this course was created! If you're committed to investing not just in "beginner" skills for your teams, but also in necessary skills to actually take data to the next level...then this course is aligned in purpose with you.
"Localisation" is one of your core approaches.
I'm not going to share the necessity or benefit of allowing more response to be driven by local teams. But from my own experience, I know it's sometimes hard to get funding for local organisations. One big reason is the apparent lack of accountability, another is the capacity to manage all the aspects of a complex programme. Without data skills in the local team - improving that local-level accountability is even harder. Putting those skills where they're needed will continue to put power and influence where it's most useful.
"Capacity Building" that actually matters.
I was on the phone with a guy a couple years ago, from a local organisation, and he voiced to me his frustration that the capacity building he was actually receiving was stuff he didn't really need or want. What he wanted was support for information management. That was one of my earliest conversations that solidified why Humanitarian Data Solutions needed to exist, and why training in Information Management skills became where we invest energy in. Because it's capacity building in a topic that doesn't frequently get supported with good training.
There are too many capacity building courses that don't make a difference in day-to-day operations. Dashboard Intensive is practical, driven by feedback from local staff themselves from around the world, and aligns with a strong capacity building approach.
I personally cannot wait to support you and your team members and partners over the next 6 weeks in advancing your KoboToolbox skills...
Being introduced to "ODK" (what KoboToolbox is built on) many years ago literally changed my life.
I've experienced first hand what it feels like to be scrambling without enough data, and how "icky" it felt to report numbers and impact that weren't reflective of reality.
On the other hand, I've also experienced the flip side, where we had so much GOOD (and TIMELY) data, that our existing programmes were super-responsive to those we served, and donors wanted to expand their partnerships with us.
But it takes time, effort, and investment into your people to make "good data" happen. I would love it if you and your partners would join me in Mastering Form Design for KoboToolbox.
I look forward to meeting you personally inside Mastering Form Design.
ALL my best,
Janna
