Sankey diagrams, commonly referred to as Sankey charts, are a type of flow diagram that display the quantity of flow in which the quantity is proportional to the width of the arrows. They’re particularly useful for showcasing the flow of materials, energy, or cost through a process or system. While they might not be as widely utilized as traditional flowcharts, their unique representation can make understanding complex data flow much more intuitive.
Whether you’re a data analyst, process engineer, or simply someone looking to visualize flow data effectively, knowing how to create an engaging and informative Sankey chart is a valuable skill. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you craft Sankey charts that won’t just make an impression, but help improve decision-making and foster a deeper understanding of your data.
**Understanding the Basic Concept**
**1. Purpose and Application:**
Before you dive into the specifics of creating a Sankey chart, it’s important to understand its purpose. These charts are particularly beneficial when you need to show the overall distribution of flow, identify where the flow starts and ends, and observe at what point within the process the flow is divided or merged.
**2. Components:**
A Sankey chart consists of the following key components:
– Nodes (points or vertices): These are the starting and ending points of the arrows, often indicating the source and sink of flow.
– Links (or flows): The arrows in the Sankey chart represent the flow of energy, material, or information between nodes. The width of each arrow indicates the quantity of flow.
– Sankey Curve: When two nodes are close together and connecting flows are concentrated into a small space, a Sankey curve is formed to maintain the proportion between flow widths.
**Designing a Sankey Chart**
**3. Selecting the Right Software:**
The right tool for the job can make a huge difference. Choose a program that enables you to create Sankey charts easily, such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or dedicated software like SankeyLab.
**4. Preparing Your Data:**
Sankey charts are most effective when the data is structured and well-organized. Ensure your data contains quantities that are to be represented in the form of widths.
**5. Layout and Orientation:**
Sankey charts can have different orientations. It’s essential to choose the one that aligns with the layout of your process and makes the most sense to your audience.
**Crafting Content**
**6. Determining Dimensions and Nodes:**
Establish clear dimensions for each flow, and plan your nodes accordingly. The width of the arrows should always reflect the importance and magnitude of the data they represent.
**7. Linking Data to Nodes and Flows:**
Ensure that your data is correctly linked to nodes and flows. For example, if a material flows from one step to another, it should be depicted as an arrow connecting the nodes.
**8. Using Color Coding:**
Color-coding can help differentiate between different types of materials or processes. Keep a consistent color palette for better readability.
**9. Testing and Adjusting the Layout:**
Before finalizing the chart, carefully check for accuracy and ensure the chart presents the data in the most insightful way. Iterate on the layout until you’re pleased with the appearance.
**Conclusion**
Once you’ve created your Sankey chart, it’s time to share your findings. This isn’t just about visualizing flow data; it’s about providing your audience with a quick and effective means of understanding complex processes or systems. Sankey charts can streamline complex data and provide a birds-eye view of your business operations, making them invaluable tools for data analysis and data-driven decision-making.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling Sankey charts that are sure to impress and inform. Whether you’re analyzing supply chains, illustrating the energy flow through a process, or visualizing the distribution of funding, a well-designed Sankey chart can make all the difference in conveying your data effectively.
