Engaging illustrations make it easier to communicate status updates. A quick, visual read of progress supports understanding among participants so they can stay on track and know what’s coming next. I’ve gathered a few examples from different clients here to show the diversity of approaches available.

Strategic objectives displayed over years

If your timeline spans years, it’s certainly helpful to retain some editing capabilities to reshuffle priorities. We used powerpoint in this Forest Service example to outline several critical objectives and the planned actions that would advance organizational interests.

When the timeline is more focused on a campaign with differing target audiences over a shorter period of time, it can be useful to show how actions are going to be sequenced. The next visual dashboard describes a security program communication campaign for Unilever’s global employees.

Campaign targets senior, middle, and staff levels

The positioning and colors on the diagram highlight the relative effort of the task over time, with the targeted audiences and type of communication. This provides a very quick overview of what’s planned. Developed in Illustrator, the details in this type of approach make it more difficult to quickly edit.

Finally, if a regular weekly report is needed than the categories of interest may need to be differentiated for attention. What’s on track or not? These types of reports are frequently roll-ups of multiple team members given to a manager for approval or awareness.

Weekly dashboard for key concerns

If you want your team to look sharp and focused then it’s best to submit something that reflects your professionalism.

And if your supervisory group has a sense of humor, I suggest you give them the gift of time and make your visual dashboards as short as possible. Simply rotate the thumb in the direction needed according to your summation, and you’re done.

Just cut to the chase