Join

🚀 Unlocking the SharePoint Dashboard: Templates, Tricks & An Oasis Tribute

    Most SharePoint users don’t even know this exists… but the Dashboard experience is one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) features in SharePoint Online. It’s tucked away out of sight, but once you find it and start building, it can completely transform how your site looks and feels.

    In this post, I’ll show you how to:

    • Find and activate the Dashboard on your SharePoint site.

    • Explore the out-of-the-box cards.

    • Create your own custom dashboard cards with the Card Designer.

    • Use my free templates to build something amazing in minutes.

    And because we like to keep things fun here, the demo site I’m building is themed around the band Oasis (yes, bucket hats included 🎵).

    🌟 Why Dashboards Are Overlooked

    Dashboards aren’t front and centre in SharePoint — you have to know where to look to configure them. But once they’re enabled, they let you add cards to your pages that can:

    • Show events, files, or people.

    • Provide links, call-to-actions, or stats.

    • Trigger Quick Views — popups that display extra detail without leaving the page.

    • And so much more (really anything you can think of!)

    The result? Instant wow factor that makes your SharePoint site feel like a proper application instead of a static page.

    Templates

    For the demo I’ve used Oasis-themed content (setlists, tour stats, ticket promos), but the real value is that these cards work as templates for common intranet scenarios. You can swap out the band references for whatever makes sense in your organisation.

    👉 The beauty of these templates is you don’t have to code from scratch. The Template JSON controls the layout, and the Data JSON feeds in the values. That means you can use my Oasis examples as a playful starting point, then adapt the same card types for any intranet use case.

    List Experience Card

    • In the demo: the Oasis Live 2025 setlist.

    • In real life: think policy indexes, project tasks, quick link menus, or training catalogues.

    • Ideal whenever you need a clean, scannable list with optional links to more detail.

    Template JSON

    {
  "$schema": "http://adaptivecards.io/schemas/adaptive-card.json",
  "type": "AdaptiveCard",
  "version": "1.5",
  "body": [
    {
      "type": "Container",
      "bleed": true,
      "backgroundImage": {
        "url": "${heroImage}",
        "verticalAlignment": "Bottom",
        "horizontalAlignment": "Center"
      },
      "minHeight": "${heroMinHeight}",
      "verticalContentAlignment": "Bottom",
      "items": [
        {
          "type": "Container",
          "bleed": true,
          "items": [
            {
              "type": "TextBlock",
              "text": "${heroTitle}",
              "wrap": true,
              "size": "ExtraLarge",
              "weight": "Bolder",
              "color": "Light"
            },
            {
              "type": "TextBlock",
              "text": "${heroSubtitle}",
              "wrap": true,
              "spacing": "Small",
              "color": "Light"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "type": "TextBlock",
      "text": "${sectionTitle}",
      "wrap": true,
      "size": "Medium",
      "weight": "Bolder",
      "spacing": "Medium"
    },
    {
      "type": "Container",
      "style": "emphasis",
      "items": [
        {
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Medium",
          "columns": [
            { "type": "Column", "width": 10 },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": 70,
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${headerCol2}", "size": "Small", "weight": "Bolder", "wrap": true }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": 20,
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${headerCol3}", "size": "Small", "weight": "Bolder", "wrap": true }
              ]
            }
          ]
        },

        {
          "$data": "${rows}",
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Medium",
          "separator": true,
          "selectAction": { "type": "Action.OpenUrl", "url": "${url}" },
          "columns": [
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": 10,
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${icon}", "wrap": true }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": 70,
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${label}", "weight": "Bolder", "wrap": true },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${description}", "size": "Small", "isSubtle": true, "wrap": true }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": 20,
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${info}", "wrap": true }
              ]
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "type": "ActionSet",
      "spacing": "Large",
      "actions": [
        { "type": "Action.OpenUrl", "title": "${primaryCtaTitle}", "url": "${primaryCtaUrl}" },
        { "type": "Action.OpenUrl", "title": "${secondaryCtaTitle}", "url": "${secondaryCtaUrl}" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

    Data JSON 

    {
  "heroImage": "[YOUR LINK]?q=80&w=1600&auto=format&fit=crop",
  "heroMinHeight": "220px",
  "heroTitle": "",
  "heroSubtitle": "Official set list of Oasis Live 2025",
  "sectionTitle": "2025 Live Set List",
  "headerCol2": "Choon",
  "headerCol3": "Length",
  "primaryCtaTitle": "Listen on Spotify",
  "primaryCtaUrl": "#",
  "secondaryCtaTitle": "Lyrics",
  "secondaryCtaUrl": "#",
"rows": [
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Hello", "description": "Tour opener", "info": "3:23", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Acquiesce", "description": "Classic B-side anthem", "info": "4:24", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Morning Glory", "description": "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", "info": "5:03", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Some Might Say", "description": "Definitely Maybe era", "info": "5:27", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Bring It On Down", "description": "Debut album power", "info": "4:29", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Cigarettes & Alcohol", "description": "Debut single smash", "info": "4:59", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Fade Away", "description": "The Masterplan era", "info": "4:30", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Supersonic", "description": "First single ever", "info": "4:15", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Roll with It", "description": "Battle of Britpop", "info": "4:26", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Talk Tonight", "description": "MTV Unplugged favourite", "info": "4:20", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Half the World Away", "description": "Christmas theme nostalgia", "info": "3:33", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Little by Little", "description": "Heathen Chemistry mid-aughts", "info": "3:46", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "D’You Know What I Mean?", "description": "Be Here Now epic", "info": "6:27", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Stand by Me", "description": "Raw rock-ballad", "info": "5:10", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Cast No Shadow", "description": "Morning Glory deep cut", "info": "4:49", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Slide Away", "description": "Fan-favourite ballad", "info": "6:31", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Whatever", "description": "Live staple", "info": "5:22", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Live Forever", "description": "anthemic debut classic", "info": "4:37", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Rock 'n' Roll Star", "description": "Debut album opener", "info": "6:01", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "The Masterplan", "description": "B-side turned legend", "info": "5:49", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Don't Look Back in Anger", "description": "Sing-along classic", "info": "4:49", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Wonderwall", "description": "Global hit", "info": "4:18", "url": "#" },
  { "icon": "🎵", "label": "Champagne Supernova", "description": "Epic tour closer", "info": "7:28", "url": "#" }
]
}

    More Info / Spotlight Card

    • In the demo: a featured gig with image, description, and calls-to-action.

    • In real life: perfect for HR announcements, upcoming events, campaign highlights, or spotlighting a key resource.

    • Great way to make important items stand out visually.

    Template JSON

    {
  "$schema": "http://adaptivecards.io/schemas/adaptive-card.json",
  "type": "AdaptiveCard",
  "version": "1.5",
  "body": [
    {
      "type": "Container",
      "bleed": true,
      "backgroundImage": {
        "url": "${heroImage}",
        "verticalAlignment": "Center",
        "horizontalAlignment": "Center"
      },
      "minHeight": "${heroMinHeight}",
      "verticalContentAlignment": "Bottom",
      "items": [
        {
          "type": "Container",
          "bleed": true,
          "backgroundColor": "#000080",
          "items": [
            {
              "type": "TextBlock",
              "text": "${heroTitle}",
              "wrap": true,
              "size": "ExtraLarge",
              "weight": "Bolder",
              "color": "Light"
            },
            {
              "type": "TextBlock",
              "text": "${heroSubtitle}",
              "wrap": true,
              "spacing": "Small",
              "color": "Light"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "type": "TextBlock",
      "text": "${description}",
      "wrap": true,
      "spacing": "Medium"
    },
    {
      "type": "ActionSet",
      "spacing": "Medium",
      "actions": [
        { "type": "Action.OpenUrl", "title": "${primaryCtaTitle}", "url": "${primaryCtaUrl}" },
        { "type": "Action.OpenUrl", "title": "${secondaryCtaTitle}", "url": "${secondaryCtaUrl}" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

    Data JSON

    {
  "heroImage": "[YOUR LINK]?q=80&w=1600&auto=format&fit=crop",
  "heroMinHeight": "240px",
  "heroTitle": "",
  "heroSubtitle": "Tickets are hot!🌶",
  "description": "We have exlusive limited availability tickets here for you and they are free!",
  "primaryCtaTitle": "Order Now",
  "primaryCtaUrl": "#",
  "secondaryCtaTitle": "View Tour Dates & Locations",
  "secondaryCtaUrl": "#"
}

    Quick Stats Card

    • In the demo: tour numbers (shows, continents, tickets sold).

    • In real life: works brilliantly for KPIs, departmental metrics, onboarding progress, or usage stats.

    • Gives your audience at-a-glance insight without overwhelming them.

    Template JSON - Emoji Version

    {
  "$schema": "http://adaptivecards.io/schemas/adaptive-card.json",
  "type": "AdaptiveCard",
  "version": "1.5",
  "body": [
    {
      "type": "TextBlock",
      "text": "${heroTitle}",
      "wrap": true,
      "size": "Large",
      "weight": "Bolder",
      "spacing": "Medium"
    },
    {
      "type": "Container",
      "items": [
        {
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Medium",
          "columns": [
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[0].icon}", "size": "ExtraLarge", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[0].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[0].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[1].icon}", "size": "ExtraLarge", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[1].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[1].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Large",
          "columns": [
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[2].icon}", "size": "ExtraLarge", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[2].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[2].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[3].icon}", "size": "ExtraLarge", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[3].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[3].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

    Template JSON - Image Icon Version

    {
  "$schema": "http://adaptivecards.io/schemas/adaptive-card.json",
  "type": "AdaptiveCard",
  "version": "1.5",
  "body": [
    {
      "type": "TextBlock",
      "text": "${heroTitle}",
      "wrap": true,
      "size": "Large",
      "weight": "Bolder",
      "spacing": "Medium"
    },
    {
      "type": "Container",
      "items": [
        {
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Medium",
          "columns": [
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "Image", "url": "${stats[0].iconUrl}", "altText": "${stats[0].label}", "horizontalAlignment": "Center", "width": "56px", "height": "56px" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[0].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[0].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "Image", "url": "${stats[1].iconUrl}", "altText": "${stats[1].label}", "horizontalAlignment": "Center", "width": "56px", "height": "56px" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[1].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[1].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "type": "ColumnSet",
          "spacing": "Large",
          "columns": [
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "Image", "url": "${stats[2].iconUrl}", "altText": "${stats[2].label}", "horizontalAlignment": "Center", "width": "56px", "height": "56px" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[2].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[2].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "Column",
              "width": "stretch",
              "items": [
                { "type": "Image", "url": "${stats[3].iconUrl}", "altText": "${stats[3].label}", "horizontalAlignment": "Center", "width": "56px", "height": "56px" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[3].value}", "size": "Large", "weight": "Bolder", "horizontalAlignment": "Center" },
                { "type": "TextBlock", "text": "${stats[3].label}", "wrap": true, "isSubtle": true, "horizontalAlignment": "Center" }
              ]
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

    Data JSON - Emoji Version

    {
  "heroTitle": "World Tour Snapshot",
  "stats": [
    {
      "icon": "📅",
      "label": "Shows Announced",
      "value": "41"
    },
    {
      "icon": "🌍",
      "label": "Continents",
      "value": "5+"
    },
    {
      "icon": "🏟️",
      "label": "Largest Venue Cap.",
      "value": "85k+"
    },
    {
      "icon": "🎫",
      "label": "Ticket Requests",
      "value": "14M"
    }
  ]
}

    Data JSON - Image Icon Version

    {
  "heroTitle": "World Tour Snapshot",
  "stats": [
    {
      "iconUrl": "[YOUR ICON LINK]",
      "label": "Shows Announced",
      "value": "41"
    },
    {
      "iconUrl": "[YOUR ICON LINK]",
      "label": "Continents",
      "value": "5+"
    },
    {
      "iconUrl": "[YOUR ICON LINK]",
      "label": "Largest Venue Cap.",
      "value": "85k+"
    },
    {
      "iconUrl": "[YOUR ICON LINK]",
      "label": "Ticket Requests",
      "value": "14M"
    }
  ]
}

    🎭 Beyond Dashboards: Adding Personality

    For the Oasis demo site, I added:

    • Hero Section with band imagery and tour intro.

    • News & Media with an animated GIF background.

    • Meet the Band (think “Meet the Team” for your intranet).

    • Anatomy of a Bucket Hat — a tongue-in-cheek guide to proper Oasis fan attire.

    These ideas show how dashboards don’t just display information — they can be the foundation for creating memorable, fun, and user-friendly intranet pages.

    🎤 Final Thoughts

    SharePoint Dashboards might be out of the way, but they’re one of the best ways to add interactivity and polish to your sites. Whether you’re building an HR portal, a team hub, or — like me — an Oasis tribute page, the Card Designer + Templates combo will make your site stand out.

    So go on: experiment, download the templates, and give your users the wow factor they didn’t know SharePoint could deliver.