Flow Like Water: Crafting Informative and Engaging Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams, originally developed in the early 20th century, have evolved into a powerful tool for visualizing data flows from one process to another. These charts, often likened to the flow of a river, efficiently depict complex systems by showing the direction of transfer and the volume of flow. In this article, we’ll explore the art and science of crafting informative and engaging Sankey charts, covering their creation, applications, and how they can enhance your data storytelling.

The Essence of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams excel in visualizing transitions from one state to another, making them particularly useful for displaying how resources are processed and the distribution of materials within a system. This includes applications in environmental sustainability (carbon flow, energy use), manufacturing and logistics (product distribution), and even information flow (data breaches).

To create a compelling Sankey chart, you need to understand your data and the story you want to tell. Start by defining the flow of your system, such as energy moving through a power plant or materials through a manufacturing process. Then, identify your entities (sources and sinks) and intermediate steps.

Crafting the Flow

The backbone of a Sankey chart is the flow lines. These lines visually represent the flow of data. Here are a few tips to make these lines speak effectively:

Width of the Lines: Usually, the width of the lines represents the magnitude of the data flow. This means the width of the line should be proportional to the quantity flowing from one step to another. It’s a direct and intuitive way for viewers to make quick assessments.
Color of the Lines: Different colors can represent different data distributions. This can help viewers quickly identify specific flows or patterns within a complex system.
Direction of the Flow: The direction of the line should reflect the actual physical or logical flow of the process. This keeps the chart as close as possible to the real-world process being visualized.

Engaging the Audience

A Sankey chart with poor aesthetics can make your data feel lost. Here are some ways to make your Sankey chart stand out:

Legend Placement: Make sure your legend is clear and not in the flow of your chart. The bottom is often a good place for a legend, but if your chart is horizontal, consider the left or right sides.
Label Placement: Text labels should be readable and placed in a flow, not in the flow. Avoid overlap and choose font sizes that are large enough to read but small enough to prevent clutter.
Simplicity and Clarity: Keep your chart as simple as possible while still conveying your message. Avoid adding too many colors or types of entities, as this can make the chart harder to read.

Enhancing with Animation

While static Sankey charts are powerful, adding animation can take your visualization to the next level. Interactive Sankey diagrams allow users to explore relationships and flows in real-time. Consider an animated Sankey chart for a presentation, where data flows become a dynamic narrative telling your story.

The Future of Sankey Charts

As data visualization becomes more sophisticated, so do its tools. Interactive Sankey charts on dashboards or online platforms offer users the ability to drill down, filter, and explore the data. In the age of big data, these interactive features can empower viewers to understand complex systems and make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Crafting informative and engaging Sankey charts requires a blend of understanding your data, knowing how to visually represent it, and ensuring your chart is accessible and engaging for the viewer. Remember, the goal of any data visualization is to make your data come alive, and the flow of a Sankey chart allows for the effective story telling of complex data. As data visualization tools evolve, the potential for Sankey diagrams to inform and inspire grows.

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.