Flow is one of the most fundamental concepts in complex systems theory. It describes the way in which information, resources, or messages circulate through a system. One of the methods for visualizing flow is by utilizing the Sankey chart, which is a type of network diagram that represents the flow of data or information through a system. In this article, we will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts.
The creation of a Sankey chart involves the following steps:
1. Identify the system: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to identify the system you want to analyze. This can be a physical or virtual system, such as a city, a social network, a scientific experiment, or even a person’s daily life.
2. Identify the nodes: The nodes represent the elements of the system, such as people, facilities, buildings, or resources. You need to identify the nodes and their attributes, such as their location and purpose.
3. Identify the edges: The edges represent the flow of information or resources among the nodes. You need to determine which nodes are connected by edges and the direction of the flow. For example, if you are analyzing a city, the edges might represent traffic flow, air travel, or communication between different communities in the city.
4. Draw the chart: Once you have identified the nodes and edges, you can start to draw the Sankey chart. The chart should be based on the layout of the system and the direction of the flow. You can use software such as Microsoft Visio or Draw.io to create a Sankey chart.
5. Customize the chart: After you have drawn the chart, you can customize it to make it more informative and visually appealing. You can add labels to the nodes and edges, change the color scheme, and add annotations to highlight important points or relationships.
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data or information through a system. They are particularly useful when analyzing complex systems that involve many inter-dependent elements. In the field of psychology, for instance, Sankey charts can be used to investigate the flow of information within a social network, such as during a team meeting or between friends. In the field of medicine, Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of medical information through a hospital, while in the field of marketing, they can be used to analyze the flow of information through a supply chain.
Another application of Sankey charts is in the analysis of complex systems within a company. For example, if a company is using a project management software, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between different projects, resources, and teams.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data or information through a system. They are particularly useful when analyzing complex systems that involve many inter-dependent elements. In the field of psychology, Sankey charts can be used to investigate the flow of information within a social network, while in the field of marketing, they can be used to analyze the flow of information through a supply chain. Sankey charts can also be used to analyze the flow of information within a company’s project management software.

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