Storytelling using Power BI

The Department of Statistics and Data Science at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus organized an international expert lecture titled “Storytelling using PowerBI” on 11 November 2025. The session was delivered by Prof. Kelly Decroock, a distinguished faculty member from Vives University, Belgium, known for her expertise in business analytics, data visualization, and dashboard design. The talk was attended by second-year MSc Data Science students as part of their advanced analytical skills development.

Prof. Decroock began the session by addressing the challenges organizations face when dealing with large, fragmented datasets spread across multiple Excel files. She explained how such data structures often hinder effective decision-making and reduce the visibility of key insights. Introducing the concept of developing a “data reflex,” she described how modern professionals must adopt a mindset where data is consistently used to guide decisions across sectors, whether in business, governance, or public services.

A major portion of the session focused on demonstrating the transformative potential of Power BI in converting raw data into meaningful, actionable insights. Prof. Decroock explained that while spreadsheets contain valuable data, they often include complex formulas that only the creator understands. In contrast, Power BI dashboards offer clarity, accessibility, and scalability. She used the example of a “Pilot Dashboard” developed for municipal decision-making to show how structured visualization can support multiple stakeholders in interpreting data accurately and making informed choices. This example highlighted the practical relevance of visualization tools in real-world applications.

The discussion then moved to the Dashboard Development Canvas, a structured framework for designing effective dashboards. Prof. Decroock elaborated on each stage—defining the goal of the dashboard, understanding the needs of the audience, analyzing the existing situation, identifying key messages, selecting appropriate visualization techniques, designing the layout, and conducting testing and refinement. She stressed that dashboard creation is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic communication process, where visuals must tell a coherent story that leads the viewer toward meaningful conclusions.

In the segment titled Storytelling in Action, the speaker highlighted the importance of interactivity, intuitive navigation, and clean design. She showcased how dashboards with interactive visuals, navigation buttons, and structured layouts help users engage more effectively with data. Students were encouraged to think critically about the purpose of each visual element, ask who the end user of the dashboard is, and evaluate whether their final output genuinely meets user requirements. She emphasized that even well-designed dashboards are ineffective if they remain unread or unused.

The session concluded with insights on essential technical competencies, such as learning DAX functions, creating calculated columns, and building measures to enhance analytical capability within Power BI. Prof. Decroock reinforced that simplicity, performance optimization, and clarity should always take precedence over complexity.

The international session provided students with valuable exposure to global best practices in business analytics and data visualization. It enriched their understanding of translating data into decisions and strengthened their ability to design purposeful analytical dashboards. The event successfully contributed to expanding their practical and conceptual knowledge in line with the evolving demands of the data science profession.