We recently went through Gartner’s report Over 100 Data, Analytics and AI Predictions Through 2031 and one statement immediately stood out to us...
Gartner predicts that by 2028 around 60% of dashboards could be replaced by AI generated narrative insights. This caught our attention and sparked a discussion within our team, because it challenges the way many organisations think about reporting today.
Although no one knows how quickly this shift will happen, it is clear that expectations around analytics are evolving rapidly.
Why this prediction feels relevant
Across many of our projects we see dashboard landscapes becoming increasingly heavy to maintain. Users jump between several reports, KPIs are duplicated, and visuals often require more interpretation than expected.
People are asking for something more intuitive. They want insights that explain what is happening, rather than dashboards that still demand extra analysis. Gartner’s prediction fits neatly into this sentiment.
What AI could change
AI introduces the possibility of receiving short, clear explanations right when they are needed. Instead of exploring multiple visuals, a user could simply receive a narrative that highlights the key changes and the likely reasons behind them.
This does not mean dashboards will vanish. They will continue to support KPI monitoring and structured reporting. It only means they might no longer be the first place people look for answers.
What organisations can already do
Even if this shift takes longer than predicted, strengthening your data foundation remains crucial. Clear definitions, governed metrics and a well maintained semantic layer are essential for both dashboards and AI driven reporting.
Simplifying dashboard environments and exploring early AI features such as narrative summaries or conversational analytics can already offer value today.
Looking ahead
Whether dashboards will decline by 60% or not, Gartner’s prediction reminds us that analytics is entering a new phase: Users expect clarity, speed and context, and AI is opening the door to a reporting experience that feels more conversational and more human.
At Dark Light we believe the future will be shaped by a balance between structured reporting and intelligent narrative insights. Organisations that prepare for both will be best positioned for the next evolution of analytics.