Design Patterns to Support the Usability and User Experience Evaluation of Dashboards for Decision Support Systems

Kennedy Nunes; Sabryna Araujo; Vitor Sousa; Davi Viana; Walter Nakamura; Luis Rivero

doi:10.5753/jis.2026.7478

Authors

Kennedy Nunes Federal University of Maranhão https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0826-8207
Sabryna Araujo Federal University of Maranhão https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5460-1261
Vitor Sousa Federal University of Maranhão https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8315-4995
Davi Viana Federal University of Maranhão https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0470-549X
Walter Nakamura Federal University of Technology - Parana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5451-3109
Luis Rivero Federal University of Maranhão https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6008-6537

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2026.7478

Keywords:

Dashboards, Decision Support Systems, Usability, User Experience, Design Patterns

Abstract

Dashboards are essential tools for real-time monitoring and decision support; however, their design and evaluation often rely on generic usability heuristics that fail to address the specific complexities of data visualization. To address this gap, this paper presents DP-DASHBOARD, a set of structured design patterns aimed at improving the usability and User Experience (UX) of decision support dashboards. The proposed patterns were developed through a methodological process involving an exploratory literature review to identify quality attributes and a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) to consolidate existing design knowledge. The resulting artifact was empirically evaluated with 21 computer science students to assess its comprehensibility and perceived usefulness. The results indicate a high level of acceptance, confirming that the patterns serve as an effective guide for identifying interface problems and implementing user-centered solutions. The study concludes with the refinement of the patterns based on qualitative feedback, offering a robust framework to assist designers and developers in creating more consistent and intuitive dashboards.

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