Streamlining Your Ideas: Visualizing Sankey Charts for Better Decision Making

When it comes to decision making, one of the key things that separates successful individuals from those who struggle is their ability to effectively organize and prioritize their thoughts. For many of us, this process of brainstorming, sorting through ideas, and ultimately deciding on the best course of action can be a time-consuming and mentally exhausting process. However, by using a powerful visualization tool called the Sankey Chart, decision making can be much more efficient and effective. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of creating Sankey Charts, and how they can be used to improve decision making in your personal and professional life.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey Chart is a type of flowchart that is used to visually represent the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. It was originally developed by a Dutch consulting firm called McKinsey & Company in the 1990s and has since become a popular tool for a variety of industries including finance, energy, and healthcare.

One of the key features of a Sankey Chart is that it allows you to easily see how different inputs and outputs are connected within a system. This can be particularly useful in decision making, as it provides a visual representation of the potential consequences of different actions. For example, you might use a Sankey Chart to visualize the flow of funds through a company, or to see how different products or services are related to each other within a larger system.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey Chart is a relatively straightforward process, and there are a variety of tools available that can help you do it easily. Some of the most popular tools include Visio, Excel, and Lucidchart. These tools typically offer either a pre-made Sankey Chart template or the ability to customize and create your own.

To begin creating your Sankey Chart, simply start by inputting the inputs and outputs that you want to include in the chart. This will typically involve creating a list of all of the different sources and destinations that are relevant to the system you are studying. Once you have your list of inputs and outputs, you can use the tools provided by the software to create a diagram that connects them.

Customizing Your Sankey Chart

One of the great things about Sankey Charts is that they are highly customizable. This means that you can use them to represent a wide variety of systems and processes, regardless of the industry or sector you work in. In addition, you can customize your chart to include additional information or to highlight specific areas of interest.

For example, you might add annotations or tags to your Sankey Chart to highlight different stages or processes within the system. You could also use different shapes, colors, or line styles to differentiate between different inputs or outputs, or to show the direction of flow.

Applications of Sankey Charts in Decision Making

Sankey Charts are a powerful tool for decision making, as they allow you to easily see the connections and dependencies within a system. Some specific applications of Sankey Charts in decision making include:

1. Identifying key drivers: By visualizing the inputs, outputs, and flows within a system, a Sankey Chart can help you identify the key drivers that are responsible for the overall behavior of the system. This can be especially useful in complex systems where multiple factors are at play.
2. Prioritizing actions: Sankey Charts can also be used to help prioritize different actions or interventions within a system. For example, you might use a Sankey Chart to visualize the flow of funds through a company, and then use this to identify which areas of the business are most in need of attention or investment.
3. Tracing the consequences: Sankey Charts can also be used to help trace the consequences of different actions or decisions within a system. By visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information, you can see how

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