Sankey charts are a type of graph that are particularly useful for visualizing complex networks, which are social, economic, or organizational relationships between various entities. These charts allow us to easily understand how one entity depends on another and to identify key influencers or gateways in a network. In this article, we will explore the ways in which Sankey charts can be used to unlock the dynamics of a network and provide an example of their application.
Sankey charts function by arranging nodes in a network based on their input-output flows. This means that every node has a unique symbol that indicates how it is receiving inputs from other nodes and sending outputs to other nodes. The flow diagram created by the Sankey chart helps us understand the dependency and influence structure of a network. For example, in a supply chain network, the nodes may represent different retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, whose inputs and outputs are indicated by the symbols in the chart.
One thing we should note is that while Sankey charts are effective at visualizing complex networks, they can also generate some complex visual clutter. Moreover, they can be a bit difficult to read for some people because of the text symbols used in the chart to indicate the input and output of each node.
Despite these limitations, Sankey charts have become increasingly popular in recent years, partly because they are relatively easy to create and use in simple applications. With the support of an online tool, anyone with basic HTML knowledge can create a custom Sankey chart to visualize their network. In fact, there are numerous online resources that offer templates for Sankey charts and guides on how to create custom ones.
The advantage of creating a custom Sankey chart is that it allows the user to specify the specific input-output flows between nodes of the network. This means that the chart can be customized to show the specific dependencies and influences in the network that are important to highlight or analyze. For example, if we wanted to understand the flow of influence between different influencers in a social network, we could specify the flow of influence between each influencer in our chart. These specific flow paths would allow us to identify the key influencers in the network who are driving the overall dynamics of the network.
Another benefit of using Sankey charts is that they can help us visualize the long-term changes in a network, rather than just the current status. This means that we can see how the network evolves over time, what changes have occurred, and which components of the network have become more or less important over time. Additionally, Sankey charts allow us to identify any potential anomalies in the network, such as cycles that suggest unhealthy dependencies or feedbacks between nodes.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are an effective tool for visualizing complex networks and unlocking their dynamics. By organizing complex relationships between nodes and indicating the flow of input and output, these charts allow us to easily identify key influencers and gateways, understand the dependency structure of the network, and analyze changes over time. While creating a custom Sankey chart may require some effort, the benefits are worth it when you can see the full complexity of your network and its dependencies at a glance.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.