Jira dashboards are powerful tools that help teams visualize and manage their work effectively. One of the key features of Jira dashboards is the use of gadgets. Gadgets are customizable components that display various summaries and visualizations of project and issue data. Here’s a simple guide to understanding and using Jira dashboard gadgets.
What are Gadgets?
Gadgets are widgets you can add to your Jira dashboard to display specific types of data. They can show information such as activity streams, assigned tasks, and various charts. Gadgets help you keep track of project progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions.
Commonly Used Gadgets
There is a set of standard Jira gadgets out-of-the-box, for example:
- Activity Stream: Displays a feed of recent activities in your projects, helping you stay updated on what’s happening.
- Assigned To Me: Lists all the issues assigned to you, making it easy to track your tasks.
- Pie Chart: Visualizes issue data as a pie chart, useful for understanding distribution across different categories.
- Created vs. Resolved Chart: Shows the number of issues created versus the number resolved over time, helping you gauge project progress.
Custom Gadgets
In addition to the pre-installed gadgets, you can extend your dashboard’s functionality by adding gadgets as plugins from the Atlassian Marketplace. These can provide additional insights and integrations with other tools you might be using.
To find out more about using gadgets from marketplace apps, check out these articles:
- Guide to Customizable Jira Dashboards and Analytics
- Activity Stream Gadget VS Activities by Issue History for Jira
Creating Custom Gadgets
If the available gadgets do not meet your needs, you can create custom gadgets using XML descriptor files. This requires some technical knowledge but allows for highly tailored data visualizations.
Adding Gadgets to Your Dashboard
1. Access Your Dashboard: Go to your Jira dashboard from the main navigation menu.
2. Add a Gadget: Click on the “Add Gadget” button, usually found in the upper right corner of the dashboard.
3. Select Gadgets: Browse through the list of available gadgets and click “Add” to include them in your dashboard.
4. Configure Gadgets: After adding, configure the gadget by setting parameters such as project, filter, and display preferences.
5. Save and Arrange: Save your configuration and drag and drop the gadgets to arrange them on your dashboard as desired.
Best Practices
- Keep it Simple: Start with a few key gadgets and gradually add more as needed.
- Regularly Update: Ensure your gadgets are configured with up-to-date filters and project settings.
- Collaborate: Share your dashboard with team members to keep everyone on the same page.
Using Jira dashboard gadgets effectively can greatly enhance your team’s ability to monitor and manage work, leading to improved productivity and project outcomes. By customizing your dashboard with the right gadgets, you can ensure that critical information is always at your fingertips.
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