Is Canva a BI Tool?

This might be the most controversial question I have come across in the field of Business Analytics and most of my colleagues argue that Canva is not a BI Tool. But here's my take:

According to Tableau, one of the world's leading BI tools, "Business intelligence combines business analytics, data mining, data visualization, data tools and infrastructure, and best practices to help organizations make more data-driven decisions."

If these tools did not help in the decision making that actually benefitted the businesses, it would all be for nothing. Once a business analyst or a business intelligence professional has conducted data exploration and discovery, they would need to perform prescriptive analytics and report their findings to appropriate stakeholders. This is where tools like data stories and infographics prove extremely valuable compared to a dashboard.

Now, if we go ahead and break down the above definition, here's what we get:

1. Business Analytics:

Business analytics involves examining data to uncover insights, trends, and patterns that inform decision-making. While Canva doesn’t offer advanced predictive analytics, combination of Canva + Flourish enables users to turn data into compelling visual narratives that help organizations make informed choices. In this sense, Canva supports the insight delivery aspect of business analytics by enhancing how findings are presented to stakeholders.

2. Data Mining:

Data mining involves exploring large datasets to find hidden patterns. Tools like Tableau and Power BI offer robust data mining capabilities. While neither Canva nor Flourish support data mining, these tools excel at visualizing and presenting the outcomes of such analysis, transforming complex data findings into clear, shareable designs therefore complementing basic tools like MS Excel or Google Sheets which can support data mining.

3. Data Visualization:

Data visualization is a core aspect of BI, and this is where Canva truly shines. Canva, paired with Flourish, offers a wide range of customizable templates and charts that bring data to life. Flourish provides advanced charting capabilities, while Canva takes those visualizations to the next level by adding design elements like icons, typography, and color schemes, making the information not only accessible but visually engaging. Both tools together create compelling stories.

4. Data Tools and Infrastructure:

BI relies on integrated systems that allow for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of data. While Canva does not provide the infrastructure for extracting or analyzing data, it plays a vital role in the visualization process. Its simplicity and design-focused features make it an accessible tool for quickly turning data into insights that stakeholders can understand and act upon.

5. Best Practices:

BI best practices encourages the use of data to inform decisions and ensures consistency in reporting. Canva's accessible templates and collaboration capabilities support these best practices helping businesses present data in a way that facilitates decision-making.

While Canva may not tick every box in the traditional BI toolkit, it’s a powerful asset for anyone involved in data-driven storytelling. Canva with added power of Flourish, certainly checks off all the important requirements. It offers a compelling solution for turning data into easily digestible, visually stunning narratives that drive business decisions through accessible designs serving stakeholders at all levels.

So do you agree that Canva is a BI tool?

Learn more about how my team leveraged Canva + Flourish for impactful storytelling in the Healing the Healers project.

If you're curious to see how Canva and Flourish worked for my team check out our presentation on Floursih + Canva: