Your dashboards don’t need to show everything all the time.

One of the most common mistakes in data visualization is overloading dashboards with elements "just in case." The result: noise, confusion, lost users, and diluted decisions. In this article, we introduce a Tableau feature that changes that: Dynamic Zone Visibility (DZV) — a powerful way to display only what matters, exactly when it matters.

We'll explain what it is, why it matters, and how to apply it with practical examples and tips.

What is Dynamic Zone Visibility, and Why Should You Care?

Dynamic Zone Visibility is a Tableau feature that allows you to dynamically show or hide sections of your dashboard based on user-defined conditions. Introduced in version 2022.3, it marks a shift in dashboard design: instead of designing for all possible use cases, you design for the specific case the user needs.

https://www.tableau.com/blog/release-data-guide-table-extensions-dynamic-zone-visibility

How Does It Work?

DZV works by using a Boolean field (TRUE/FALSE) to control the visibility of a container or zone in your dashboard. This field can be based on a parameter, a filter, or even the user role. It's simple, flexible, and powerful.

Basic example: a parameter called “Show Filters.” When the user activates the toggle, a floating container with filters becomes visible. If not, the dashboard remains clean and focused.

Real-World Use Cases That Make a Difference

• Hide filters until needed

• Switch KPIs based on category selection

• Display contextual tooltips or help content

• Simulate tabbed navigation within a single dashboard

• Create adaptive layouts based on user roles or device types

Best Practices to Implement It Right From the Start

• Use vertical or horizontal containers to group content you want to toggle

• Create dedicated Boolean fields for DZV logic — avoid redundant expressions

• Design with user experience in mind: fewer clicks, clearer views

• Test across resolutions and devices

• Document which DZV controls what — complex dashboards can quickly accumulate logic

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Your First Dynamic Zone

Let’s walk through a quick implementation to get you started:

Goal: Show/Hide a filter panel with a toggle switch

1. Create a Boolean Parameter

• Name: Show Filters

• Data Type: Boolean

• Current Value: True or False

2. Add a Vertical or Floating Container to Your Dashboard

• Place your filters inside this container.

3. Select the Container > Layout Pane > Set 'Control Visibility Using Value'

• Choose the parameter: Show Filters

4. Add the Show Filters Parameter Control to the Dashboard

• Let the user control visibility directly.

In Summary

Dynamic Zone Visibility isn’t just a visual trick. It’s a mindset shift. It lets you build dashboards that adapt to context, to users, and to the moment. Dashboards designed not to show everything — but to show what drives value.

And that’s what we believe in at Datwin: clear, agile, and effective solutions. From the very first click.

Are you already using DZV? What use case would you like to explore?

Sources and Mentions:

• https://help.tableau.com/current/online/en-us/dynamic_zone_visibility.htm

• https://www.tableau.com/blog/release-data-guide-table-extensions-dynamic-zone-visibility