← VCE Data Analysis

Mock-up of a spreadsheet layout

A sketch of a spreadsheet's worksheet names, header labels, data areas, formatting and result cells, drawn before building to show how it will look and where results will go.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U1O1 - Data analysis — Module 76, VCE Data Analytics - U3O1 - Data Analytics — Module 35, VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 149

Understanding Mock-up of a spreadsheet layout in VCE Data Analysis

What it does: Header labels for columns sit in the top row of the mock-up so every data column is clearly named. A mock-up can include formatting notes so the designer knows how the finished spreadsheet should look. A mock-up is a sketch of the layout made before building, so you can plan worksheet names, headers, data areas and result cells. A mock-up shows layout and labels. It does not need working formulas, because the spreadsheet has not been built yet. Placement of results matters. A labelled result cell in a sensible spot helps users find the answer quickly. Formatting such as bold headers and currency or date formats shows how the data will appear and makes it easier to read.

Common mistakes: Row 1 of the mock-up should show header labels (Item, Price, Qty) so each column is named. Here it holds sample data values instead of labels. The data area must start below the header labels. A1:C11 overlaps the header row in row 1. It should be A2:C11.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 68–80) and word search (Modules 56–80).

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Learning
Duo
A spreadsheet mock-up is drawn before the spreadsheet is built to show how it will look.
FalseTrue
Matches
Row 1 is left blank, data starts at A2 with no labels
↓
The mock-up has no header labels, so nobody can tell what each column of data means. Add labels such as Name and Mark in row 1.
Applying
Meanings
Term
spreadsheet mock-up
Meaning
A sketch of a spreadsheet's worksheet names, header labels, data areas, formatting and result cells, drawn before building to show how it will look and where results will go.
Practice
Worksheet: Canteen Sales
Testing
Gaps
: Budget
Check Answer
Spots
1Row 1: Apple | 2.50 | 4
2Rows 2-6: data entries

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Quick Questions

1. A spreadsheet mock-up is drawn before the spreadsheet is built to show how it will look.
A. False
B. True ✓
A mock-up is a sketch of the layout made before building, so you can plan worksheet names, headers, data areas and result cells.
2. Which item belongs in a spreadsheet mock-up?
A. Header labels such as 'Student' and 'Score' above the columns ✓
B. The finished formulas typed into every cell
A mock-up shows layout and labels. It does not need working formulas, because the spreadsheet has not been built yet.
3. Where should a mock-up show the result cell for a total of the Score column?
A. In a clearly labelled cell, such as 'Total' below the Score data ✓
B. Hidden somewhere off-screen with no label
Placement of results matters. A labelled result cell in a sensible spot helps users find the answer quickly.
4. Which is a good use of formatting in a mock-up?
A. Bold header labels and a dollar format on price columns ✓
B. Leaving all cells unformatted and unlabelled
Formatting such as bold headers and currency or date formats shows how the data will appear and makes it easier to read.
5. Which header labels clearly describe a table of sales data?
A. Column 1, Column 2, Column 3
B. Product, Quantity, Unit Price ✓
Header labels should describe the data in each column or row. Generic labels do not tell the user what the data means.

Match the Pairs

Sheet tab: Sales Data → A worksheet name written on the mock-up to show which sheet holds this part of the layout
Results cell: B12 = Total Sales → A labelled result cell placed on the mock-up to show where the answer will appear
Column headers in row 1 tell the user what each column of data holds → A1: Name | B1: Year Level | C1: Mark
Formatting notes on a mock-up show how values will look, such as currency or bold headers → Format: C2:C20 as currency, headers bold
Row 1 is left blank, data starts at A2 with no labels → The mock-up has no header labels, so nobody can tell what each column of data means. Add labels such as Name and Mark in row 1.
Total result: (no cell shown on the mock-up) → The result has no cell location, so the placement of results is missing. Mark a cell such as B12 and label it Total.

Key Term

spreadsheet mock-up
A sketch of a spreadsheet's worksheet names, header labels, data areas, formatting and result cells, drawn before building to show how it will look and where results will go.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Worksheet: Budget Data area: A2:B9
Hint: Type the label that names the sheet tab being sketched.
2. Header row: A1 = Item, B1 = Cost Data area: A2:B9
Hint: Type the cell reference where the first column header goes, in the top-left corner.
3. Data area: B2:B9 Total cell B10: =SUM(B2:B9)
Hint: Type the function name that adds up a range of numbers.
4. Format row 1 as bold Format B2:B9 as currency
Hint: Type the number format that suits a column of prices.
5. Data area: B2:B9 Result: =SUM(B2:B9) placed in B10
Hint: Type the cell reference directly below the last data row, where the result is placed.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Row 1: Apple | 2.50 | 4
B Rows 2-6: data entries
C Price column: format $0.00
Line A — Row 1 of the mock-up should show header labels (Item, Price, Qty) so each column is named. Here it holds sample data values instead of labels.
Question 2
A Headers: A1:C1
B Data area: A1:C11
C Average result: C13
Line B — The data area must start below the header labels. A1:C11 overlaps the header row in row 1. It should be A2:C11.
Question 3
A Sheet: Budget
B A1: Item, B1: Cost
C Data area: A2:B9
D A11: Total, B3: result
Line D — The result cell belongs beside its label (A11) and outside the data area. B3 sits inside the data area. It should be B11.
Question 4
A Sheet 1: Raw Data (A1:C20)
B Sheet 2: Summary
C Summary B2: Average of Sheet 3
Line C — The mock-up only plans two worksheets, so the result cell cannot take its data from Sheet 3. It should refer to Sheet 1.
Question 5
A Header row: bold, grey fill
B Dates in A2:A10: dd/mm/yyyy
C Prices in B2:B10: dd/mm/yyyy
D Total in B12: bold, $0.00
Line C — Formatting in a mock-up must suit the data. Prices need a currency format such as $0.00, not a date format.

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