Google Data Studio: First Impression

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Recently, I have just realised that Google Data Studio is free and available for all with a Google account to use. There is even an introductory course on Google Analytics Academy for it. After giving it some thought, I decided to step out of the world of Tableau and into Data Studio.


The course on Data Studio is quite basic as it introduces the learner to the terms used in Google Data Studio, basic layout, and functions. After completing 4 simple multiple choice questions assessments, I have been awarded a certificate with an expiry date.


With that I am onto my first Data Studio report:

Here are my thoughts after the introductory course and 2 hours with Data Studio:

Things I like:

1. Speed: With the option to use templates available, a load of time is saved for me when I created the above report (Google's term for dashboard). The estimated time I have taken to complete is around 2 hours.

2. Accessibility: Like other apps by Google, Data Studio can be easily used on the browser and saved on the cloud.

3. Ease of use: Like Tableau, it offers a lot of drag-and-drop. However, the biggest "win" for Data Studio is the easily available "Community Visualizations" to allow users to create sunburst and Sankey charts with a few clicks. As far as I can tell, such complex charts and skills to create charts like these are often prized among the Tableau community, besides using Tableau Extensions. Now, Data Studio can do it within a few clicks. However, harts may be customised as much on Tableau, and it may rely on the continuous support of the libraries by third parties.

First Impression: Free yet powerful app like other Google apps (Docs, Sheets, and Slides).