Drop the Shadow: Rethinking Drop Shadows in Power BI
- Elena Drakulevska
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Why they’re not helping your users—and what to do instead.
I’ve been seeing drop shadows everywhere lately—especially in dataviz challenges, community reports, and portfolios.
What is a drop shadow? 💡 A soft, blurry effect added behind a visual or card to make it look like it’s floating slightly above the background.
I get why people add them. Shadows might feel like a design upgrade. A quick way to make your visuals pop or feel more “finished.”
But here’s the thing: just like rounded corners, drop shadows are easy to overdo—and they’re not actually helping. Not with clarity. Not with accessibility. Definitely not with UX.
If you're using them to make your reports look better, this post is your friendly nudge to try something else. Something simpler. Something clearer.
Why Drop Shadows Are So Popular
The idea behind drop shadows makes sense:
They create separation.
They add depth.
They make visuals feel like distinct layers instead of one flat surface.
In UX design, we sometimes do use shadows to create hierarchy and guide the eye. But there’s a big difference between thoughtful use and “default” use.
In Power BI, drop shadows are often added without intention—and that’s where things go wrong.
When Drop Shadows Go Wrong
Let’s break it down:
Too subtle? Pointless.
Too strong? Distracting.
Used on every visual? Visually exhausting.
No consistency? UX confusion.
And for some users—especially those with sensory sensitivity or vestibular disorders—using drop shadows can cause discomfort. Think dizziness, headaches, or just general overwhelm. Not exactly the vibe we’re going for in a dashboard, is it?
Better UX Alternatives in Power BI for Drop Shadows
If your goal is visual separation, try these options first:
Use light backgrounds or soft contrast cards
Add 1px neutral borders (less dramatic, more effective)
Keep spacing and padding consistent
Align visuals into clean grid layouts
These techniques create structure and focus without relying on special effects.
They’re also more accessible, lighter on the eyes, and easier to scan.
Drop the Shadow ✂️
Not a standard. Not a law. Just a gentle revolution.
Because blurry borders don’t make better design.
And visual noise doesn’t help real humans make better decisions.
Drop the shadow.
Use space. Use contrast. Use intention.
Your users will thank you—even if they don’t know why.
Your Turn
Seen a dashboard drowning in shadows?
Or maybe designed one yourself? 👀 No shame—we’ve all been there.
But the gentle revolution has begun.
And if you're into clean, user-first Power BI design—you know what to do. Subscribe. ✨
🌙 Need help making your reports shine?
MoonStory can help you redesign your Power BI reports to feel modern, intentional, and user-friendly—without the fluff.
We combine strong UX principles with sharp design to create dashboards that don’t just look good—they work better.
Ready to drop the shadow and the visual chaos?
Let’s make your data feel like magic. ✨
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