Learning Tableau via Reverse EngineeringA Few Quick Tips

January 9, 2020

Reverse Engineering in Tableau• Definition

– Process of taking workbook and methodically working backwards from the big picture to the details, understanding logic until you can replicate it.

Reverse Engineering in Tableau• Definition

– Process of taking workbook and methodically working backwards from the big picture to the details, understanding logic until you can replicate it.

• Pros– One of the most effective methods of learning– Pushes you outside of your comfort zone

• Cons– Can be time consuming and frustrating– Requires a basic understanding of Tableau

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Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture

– Look for visual cues: What is the purpose of the dashboard? What is the message?

– Play with the functionalities: What actions are available?

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

Dashboard Workbook File Sample

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Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture• Examine the structure of workbook

– How many dashboards?– What are the worksheets?– Is there anything hidden?

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture• Examine the structure of workbook• Examine the layout and mechanics of the dashboard

– Where are the worksheets located on dashboard?– How many of them? Tiled or floating?– How many views do each quick filter affect?

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture• Examine the structure of workbook• Examine the layout and mechanics of the dashboard• Breakdown the views to their smallest building blocks

– Go to the worksheet—what dimensions/measures constitute the view?– Explore pills (is field sorted, is it a table calculation, what happens when you

remove a field from view?)– Explore data sources, structure, and fields

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

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Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture• Examine the structure of workbook• Examine the layout and mechanics of the dashboard• Breakdown the views to their smallest building blocks• Recreate the worksheets

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

Dashboard Workbook File Sample

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Recommended Steps• Understand the big picture• Examine the structure of workbook• Examine the layout and mechanics of the dashboard• Breakdown the views to their smallest building blocks• Recreate the worksheets

Adapted from The Information Lab & Wizard of Viz

Presentation Sources• Reverse Engineering Tips

– The Information Lab website: https://www.theinformationlab.co.uk/2015/01/22/learning-tableau-reverse-engineering

– The Wizard of Viz website: https://wizardofviz.com/2018/01/05/learning-tableau-via-reverse-engineering/

• Diversity chart – Dear Tech People website: https://interworks.com/blog/kdykstra/2018/05/30/viz-for-social-

good-dear-tech-people/

• Bar-in-Bar Dashboard File– Tableau Community Forum: https://community.tableau.com/thread/127957