Introduction

Visual learning has become increasingly popular in recent years for its ability to engage and inform learners through the means of visualization. Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex decision-making processes, and in this article, we will explore the key features, applications, and how to create an effective Sankey chart.

Definition of Sankey Chart

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that visualizes decision-making processes. They are characterized by a series of nodes that represent different decision nodes, and the flow of information between these decision nodes is represented by a network of lines. The flowchart can also be extended to represent different decision stages and outcomes, allowing for a deeper understanding of decision-making processes.

Key Features of the Sankey Chart

1. Decision and Flow: A Sankey chart typically consists of two series: the “flow series” and the “decision series.” The flow series consists of different decision nodes that are connected by a series of lines. The flow series represents the different decision nodes, while the decision series represents the decisions made at each node. The flow series flows from the origin of a decision node to the destination decision node, while the decisions represent the different outcomes or actions that follow.

2. Weighted Edges: Sankey charts have edges with weights that represent the quantity of flow or decision carried over from one node to another. The larger the edge, the more significant the flow or decision made. This feature allows for visualizing how different decisions affect the overall flow and decision process.

3. Customizable Options: Sankey charts offer a variety of options that enable customization, such as changing the decision nodes, decision flow, and edge weights. The customizeability feature allows for a flexible and interactive decision-making process visualization.

4. Interactive Features: Sankey charts can offer interactive features that allow learners to manipulate the data and explore the decision-making processes visually. This feature can be particularly useful for educational purposes.

Applications of the Sankey Chart

The Sankey chart is commonly used in business, economics, and other domains as a decision-making process visualization tool. Below are some of the applications of Sankey charts:

1. Healthcare: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of patients, medications, doctors, hospitals, and other related resources used in the healthcare process to inform the decision-making of healthcare professionals.

2. Logistics: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of goods, inputs, outputs, and information within supply chains to inform decision-making for logistics managers.

3. Finance: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of cash between different financial transactions, such as investments, loans, assets, and liabilities, to inform decision-making for financial analysts and investors.

How to Create an Effective Sankey Chart

Creating an effective Sankey chart involves several steps:

1. Choose the Data: Choose the relevant data that needs to be portrayed, considering the complexity and purpose of the graphic. The data should be relevant and accurate to ensure the accuracy of the graphic.

2. Create the Nodes: Designate the nodes that represent different decision stages or outcomes. The nodes are typically labeled and colored to highlight their significance.

3. Choose the Edges: Pick the edges that represent the flow of decision, information, materials, and resources between nodes. The flow of an edge indicates the flow or decision carried over from one node to another.

4. Choose the Scale: Adjust the size of the nodes, nodes flow, and edges to ensure that the Sankey chart’s size and quality are optimized.

5. Animate the Chart: Incorporate interactive features such as labels and color changes with custom edge weights, to provide a more engaging and intuitive learning experience.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are an effective and visually engaging tool for decision-making process visualization. They enable learners to explore the flow of information and decisions in complex decision-making processes, facilitating deeper understanding and efficient decision making. By understanding the key features and applications of Sankey charts, organizations can adopt this visual learning technique effectively into their decision-making processes.

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