Gauges (or gauge charts) are UI elements used in metrics that show progress when completing a goal. They serve as data visualization and indicators for users to finish their desired actions.
Gauge charts are common elements used in dashboards – both in website design and software and mobile application design. Gauges are differentiated from other progress elements through the presence of an arc. They visually indicate a particular value within a defined range. These values are shown either through a needle or through numerical values or percentages, along with specific colors relevant to the gauge or the range.
Types of Gauge Charts
Speedometer
This is the most popular type of gauge chart, and it is used in dashboards to display performance metrics.
It resembles a vehicle’s dashboard, and it consists of a circular arc with a needle pointing to the value. Because of its circular shape, it is also used to compare different ranges of values. Depending on the value range, the color will switch.
The difference between linear and speedometer gauges is that the data is presented horizontally or vertically. They indicate the numerical values within a defined data range on a linear scale. With linear gauges, the specific value is indicated through a pointer on the scale.
Angular gauges are similar to speedometer gauges but display only a part of the arc. The displayed area represents the value of the progress chart and is usually filled with color, leaving the rest of the range unfilled.
Activity gauges are popular in business dashboards and are used to display deeper insights into a business.
It is useful when a dashboard has specific KPIs based on a specific target. This way, it visually shows where the user is and how long it takes until a target is reached.
It is useful when a dashboard presents the progress of the tasks.
It is useful to keep up with deadlines.
It is useful when a dashboard is used to observe changes and monitor metrics over a period of time.
How To Use a Gauge Chart?
Ranges
Depending on your needs, divide the gauge into segments to represent different data ranges. Use contrasting colors, patterns, or shading to differentiate these ranges. The recommended ranges for the speedometer or linear gauge are between one and four. More than four will overwhelm the user and visually clutter the design – especially if you have completely different colors.
Needle or Indicator
The needle or indicator of a gauge activity will automatically move when the value changes. The animation feature allows users to see their progress actively. If you opt not to have a needle or indicator, make sure you still write the numerical value or percentage instead.
Series Thickness
Visually, a gauge can be of two ways: thick or thin.
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