5- min Data Dashboard – Hamza Iqbal - Brand + Product Design in NYC

5- min Data Dashboard

An Invitation Play

Scope

Low-Code Product Development

Prototyping for Non-Technical Users

Rapid Workflow Automation

Goals

Build functional dashboards in minutes

Test Google Sheets as a backend

Simplify data visualization for small businesses

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Context

For many small businesses, creating dashboards or apps often requires technical expertise or costly software. This project explores the potential of Google Sheets and Glide to build sleek, functional dashboards quickly and with minimal setup. Glide’s integration with Google Sheets enables anyone to turn spreadsheets into interactive apps, pushing the limits of what non-technical tools can achieve.

Process

Setup Google Sheets as a Backend:
Created structured datasets in Google Sheets to act as a database for Glide apps. Organized columns with the end-user experience in mind—e.g., sorting, filtering, and editable rows.

App Design with Glide:
Customized layouts, navigation, and design aesthetics within Glide’s no-code builder. Prioritized intuitive UI and UX for non-technical audiences.

Interactive Features:

Built dashboards for sales reporting, inventory tracking, and lead management.
Configured formulas in Google Sheets to dynamically update data in real-time.
Added user input fields for live updates and comments, which synced seamlessly with the backend.

Testing and Deployment:
Tested the apps with small business owners and solopreneurs to gauge usability. Iterated on design based on feedback, focusing on ease of use and visual clarity.

Outcomes

The project demonstrated how Google Sheets and Glide could democratize app creation:

Key Wins:
- Speed and Simplicity: Dashboards were live and functional within five minutes of setup.
- User-Centric Design: Customizable layouts ensured usability for varied workflows.
- Real-Time Sync: Updates made in Sheets reflected instantly in the app, offering dynamic solutions for sales tracking, stock monitoring, and team collaboration.
Challenges:
- Scalability Limits: Glide apps struggle with large datasets, making them less ideal for scaling businesses.
- Customization Trade-Offs: While fast and functional, Glide’s pre-built templates offer limited room for complex UI customizations.

By leveraging Google Sheets and Glide, the project showcased how small businesses with minimal resources could develop impactful tools. This approach is a springboard for future exploration, including multilingual dashboards, expanded integrations, and more scalable low-code platforms.

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