Rachel Herrera explores the distinction between data apps and traditional dashboards, using her experiences at Hex Technologies to illuminate the shift in data visualization and interaction. She describes her initial confusion, rooted in a decade of experience with dashboards, and how data apps offer a more dynamic and interactive experience compared to static dashboards. Data apps allow for deeper exploration and direct action on data, as exemplified by Hex's integration of SQL, Python, and visualization in a single platform, enabling users to input data, update databases, and immediately see the results. This approach contrasts with traditional dashboards, which often require multiple tools for comprehensive data interaction and analysis. Herrera emphasizes the importance of understanding this evolution, encouraging readers to consider whether a project might benefit from being developed as a data app rather than a dashboard, highlighting the potential for enhanced user exploration and workflow integration.