Sankey charts are a powerful tool for network analysis and visualization. Unlike traditional pie charts or bar charts, which can be difficult to understand for anyone not familiar with the underlying network, a sankey chart can provide insight into complex relationships and dynamics.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of sankey charts, exploring their creation and applications. We will also take a look at the psychology behind sankey charts and their ability to unlock the power of network analysis.
What is a sankey chart?
A sankey chart is a type of network analysis chart that is based on the principle of a weighted network. In this chart, nodes are connected by lines that represent the flow of data. Each line has a weight that indicates the amount of data that flows through it.
A sankey chart typically consists of two sets of axis: one set of data, which represents the nodes or points of the network, and another set of data, which represents the lines or links connecting the nodes. The weight of each line is based on the amount of data that flows through it.
The sankey chart can be used to represent any type of network, such as social networks, organizational networks, or biological networks. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for understanding complex relationships and dynamics.
How to create a sankey chart
To create a sankey chart, you will need a data set that represents the nodes and edges of the network you want to visualize. Here are the steps for creating a sankey chart in Microsoft Excel:
1. Create a set of data that represents the nodes and edges of your network. This data should include the labels or names of your nodes and the labels or names of the edges.
2. In Excel, create a sankey chart by going to the Insert tab and selecting the sankey chart.
3. Enter the data into the sankey chart by clicking on one of the nodes and dragging the data down to indicate the number of links between the two nodes.
4. Adjust the weight of each line by dragging the bottom corner of the node and dragging the bottom corner of the line up or down to change the weight.
5. Once you have finished designing your sankey chart, you can save it and use it for analysis or presentation.
Applications of sankey charts
Sankey charts have many applications in real world scenarios, including:
Social networks
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the social networks of groups of people. They can also be used to represent the dynamics of social networks, such as the spread of information or gossip.
Organizational networks
Sankey charts can be used to represent the organizational networks of companies or organizations. They can be used to visualize the relationships between employees or to observe changes in the network over time.
Biological networks
Sankey charts can be used in biology to represent the complex interactions between organisms in ecosystems. They can also be used to visualize the metabolic pathways in organisms.
The psychology behind sankey charts
The sankey chart has a particularly strong psychological appeal for many users because of its simplicity and ease of use. The lines of the sankey chart represent the flow of data, which can be interpreted by people who are not expert in network analysis.
Sankey charts can be interpreted quickly and easily, which makes it a useful tool for understanding complex relationships and dynamics. The sankey chart’s simplicity also makes it a useful for beginners in network analysis.
Conclusion
In summary, sankey charts are a powerful tool for network analysis and visualization. They are simple to create and use, and can be interpreted quickly and easily. By understanding the psychology behind sankey charts, we can unlock the power of network analysis and use it to gain insights into complex relationships and dynamics.
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