Sankey charts are a popular way of visualizing complex data flows, which can help us understand the interactions and dependencies between different entities. The term “Sankey” originally refers to the Scottish engineer who invented the chart in the late 19th century to represent the distribution of coal production and usage in Scotland. Since then, Sankey charts have been widely used in various fields, including business, science, and engineering, to analyze and communicate complex flows and patterns.
In this article, we will explore the concept of flow storytelling with Sankey charts, explain the process of creating a Sankey chart, and discuss its various applications.
Understanding Flow Storytelling with Sankey Charts
Flow storytelling is a technique that uses visual elements, such as Sankey charts, to create a narrative that highlights the key dynamics and relationships within a data set. In a Sankey chart, the flow of data is depicted as arrows, with the width of the arrows indicating the volume of data at each step, and the colors representing the different categories. By placing this chart in context and weaving a compelling story, we can convey the significance of the flow and its impact on various stakeholders.
Key Components of a Flow Story:
- Introduction to the Context: Set the scene by providing background information that explains why the flow is significant and what potential implications it might have.
- Explanation of the Flow: Detail the main pathways, entities involved, and the data movement between them.
- Insights and Analysis: Offer interpretations of the data to reveal patterns, trends, and insights that are not immediately obvious from the data alone.
- Visual Elaboration: Use colors, arrows, and other visual elements to make the information easily digestible and engaging.
- Conclusion and Call to Action: Conclude with a clear summary of the findings and, if appropriate, suggest actionable steps based on the insights gained.
- Future Projections: If possible, discuss the potential future developments and how they might impact the current flow.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves several key steps to ensure that the information is presented accurately and effectively:
Step 1: Data Collection and Preparation
Gather the necessary data that you intend to represent. This includes the source, destination, volume, and category for each data point. It’s crucial to clean and organize the data diligently to avoid errors in the chart generation.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tool
Select a tool or software that suits your needs, such as:
- Gliffy: Simple and visual, suitable for quick and intuitive chart creation.
- Visme: Offers a wide range of templates and interactive elements, enhancing the storytelling potential.
- Power BI: Robust for business analytics, allowing complex data flows to be analyzed and visualized effectively.
- GNU R: For advanced users who prefer programming, provides flexibility and control over chart customization.
Step 3: Design and Layout
Design the chart by assigning colors, arrow thicknesses, and labels to the different data streams. Ensure that the design is clear and not overly complex, focusing on the essentials to maintain clarity and readability.
Step 4: Add Context and Narrative
Integrate the flow storytelling elements mentioned above. This includes writing a clear and compelling narrative that guides the viewer through the data, highlighting key insights and decisions.
Step 5: Review and Iterate
Revise the chart and text as necessary to ensure that all elements work together seamlessly. Feedback from peers or stakeholders can be invaluable in refining the story and the visual representation.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are versatile and find applications in various fields:
Business Analytics
Businesses can use Sankey charts to track the paths followed by customer journeys, product flows through a supply chain, or the movement of data through sales channels. This can help identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and inform strategic decisions.
Environmental Science
Environmental scientists can represent ecological flows, such as nutrient cycles, energy distribution within ecosystems, or the spread of pollutants. These charts provide insights into the health and dynamics of ecosystems and support sustainability initiatives.
Engineering and Transportation
In the field of engineering, Sankey charts can be used to visualize energy usage in buildings, data flows in computer networks, or material input-output flows in manufacturing processes. They help in identifying potential inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
Public Services
Government entities can use Sankey charts to analyze and visualize data on various public services, such as traffic flow, water distribution, or public spending. These charts can support policy-making and resource allocation decisions.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are an indispensable tool for flow storytelling, offering a unique and intuitive way to visualize complex relationships and flows. Whether you’re presenting business data, environmental dynamics, or engineering solutions, a well-crafted Sankey chart can help you effectively communicate essential insights and foster informed decision-making. By combining the power of data visualization with compelling narratives, Sankey charts transform raw data into impactful stories that resonate with stakeholders and inspire action.
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.
