Develop a Data Model with Power BI
Data models are the backbone of every Power BI dashboard—get them wrong and your insights crumble. This focused course teaches you how to architect clean, performant models that actually scale, moving beyond point-and-click into deliberate design decisions.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for analysts and BI developers who need to move beyond basic visualisations into proper data architecture. The tight runtime demands prior Power BI exposure; complete beginners should start with Power BI fundamentals first.
What This Course Covers
You’ll work through the mechanics of dimensional modelling, establishing relationships between tables, and normalising data structures for performance. Expect hands-on labs covering star schemas, fact and dimension tables, and how to avoid common cardinality pitfalls that tank query speed.
The course bridges theory and practice by showing you how model design decisions ripple through your DAX calculations and report responsiveness. By the end, you’ll understand why a well-structured model matters more than fancy visualisations—and how to spot design flaws before they become production headaches.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Business Analysts moving into BI: Ready to own data architecture rather than rely on IT; need to understand what ‘good’ looks like before building dashboards.
- Power BI developers and report builders: Currently patching together models without formal structure; want to level up to enterprise-grade design patterns.
- Data professionals transitioning to Power BI: Experienced with SQL or other BI tools; need the Power BI-specific approach to modelling and relationship management.
May not suit:
- Power BI beginners: No prior experience with Power BI interface or terminology; should complete foundational courses first.
- Dashboard designers focused on aesthetics: If your priority is visual design over data architecture, this technical course won’t align with your immediate goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Develop a Data Model with Power BI take?
1 hour 9 minutes of video content. Plan 2–3 hours total including hands-on labs and practice.
Do I need Power BI experience before starting?
Yes. You should be comfortable navigating Power BI Desktop and understand basic concepts like tables and visualisations. Beginners should complete Power BI fundamentals first.
Will this course cover DAX?
DAX basics are included as they relate to model design, but this isn’t a comprehensive DAX course. Expect foundational context rather than advanced formula work.
Can I access hands-on labs?
Yes. Pluralsight includes sandboxed environments and downloadable lab files so you can practise modelling in real scenarios.
Course by Mihaela Danci on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 9m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
