Flow of Ideas: A Creative Exploration of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are visually stunning tools in the realm of data visualization that illustrate the size, direction, and flow of quantities from one set of entities to another, often used to depict energy transitions, resource flows, and process networks. This article delves into the creative aspects of Sankey chart creation and explores their applications across various domains.

The Anatomy of a Sankey Chart

A Sankey chart (also known as a Sankey diagram or flow diagram) consists of several key elements:

Flows: These represent the flow of items from one set to another. Each flow can be a stream of material, energy, people, or information.
Nodes: These refer to the starting and end points of the flows. For example, in a supply chain, the nodes might represent suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
Width: The width of the flows, typically represented by the thickness of the line, symbolizes the volume or amount of the flow. Larger volumes dictate wider lines.
Colour: Colours or shades can be used to differentiate between different types of flows.

The Creative Process of Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is an iterative process that combines creativity with data analysis. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Defining the Objective

Understand the Purpose: Ensure you know what message you want to convey with the chart. Whether it’s illustrating energy flow, financial transaction, or the distribution of resources, clarity of purpose is crucial.

Collecting and Cleaning Data

Data Gathering: Gather all relevant information that can be visually represented. This might involve calculating values or proportions depending on your objective.
Data Cleaning: Ensure the data is clean, accurate, and accessible before you begin creating the chart.

Creating the Diagram

Choose a Tool: There are several tools available for creating Sankey diagrams. Choosing one that suits your skill level and project requirements is essential. Popular tools include Tableau, Python with the NetworkX or Plotly libraries, and R with the diG R package.
Arrange the Nodes: Arrange the nodes in a logical order. For example, in a supply chain, suppliers tend to be on the left, producers in the middle, and consumers on the right.
Lay Out the Flows: Use your data to lay out the flows. Ensure they are visually proportional to their volume, and their direction aligns with the logical flow of your story.
Add Colour and Shading: Colour coding or using different shades can help differentiate between different types of flows or highlight key data points.
Refine and Iterate: Don’t underestimate the power of iteration. Refine the design, experiment with different configurations, and iterate until you’re satisfied with the result.

Applications of Sankey Charts Across Domains

Sankey charts have diverse applications across various fields:

Scientific Research

Researchers can use them to visually represent complex processes or systems. In biology, flowcharts could show the flow of energy within an ecosystem, while in chemistry, they could illustrate reactions and their outcomes.

Energy and Environment

Sankey diagrams are widely used to represent energy flows, showing how energy is generated, transferred, and converted within a system. Environmental studies often employ them to illustrate carbon footprints and waste flows.

Economics and Finance

Financial analysts can use them to represent financial transactions, showing where money goes within a company or economy. Similarly, economists use Sankey diagrams to illustrate the path of economic activity, such as income, wages, and consumption.

Supply Chain Management

These charts are incredibly useful in optimizing supply chains, showing the flow of goods, services, and resources from origin to end consumer. They highlight potential inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are not just tools for data visualization; they are creative platforms for storytelling through data. Their ability to represent complex flows in an intuitive and visually appealing way makes them invaluable in a wide range of applications. Whether in academia, industry, or public service, Sankey charts offer a compelling narrative that captivates the audience and drives insight. As data visualization continues to evolve, the creative potential of Sankey charts—their ability to convey complex information in a visually compelling manner—remains a compelling reason for their ongoing relevance and application.

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.