Title: Flow to Understanding: The Sankey Chart Primer on Visual Communication

Introduction:

The quest for visual communication has been a cornerstone in the field of information design, aiming to simplify often complex data so it is easily understandable. While we’re all familiar with bar and column charts, pie graphs, and scaterplots, Sankey charts stand out — subtle yet effective tools for illustrating the flow of information or product units through complex systems.

What is a Sankey Chart?

Fundamentarily, a Sankey chart, also known as a Sankey Diagram or Sankey’s Diagram, is a graphic flowchart method for illustrating the flow of quantities in many different systems. Originating from the work of British economist Albert Charlesworth Sankey in the 1930s, these charts serve as visual representations of how inputs transform into outputs.

The Composition of a Sankey Chart:

Sankey charts are composed of interconnected bars that flow into one another, forming a unique visual language:

1. Nodes ( Rectangles ) – Nodes represent the different types of data or process categories within the system.

2. Links ( Arrows ) – Arrows are the links between nodes that depict the flow of the represented entity.

3. Flows – The width of the arrows represents the quantity of data attributed to the entity; therefore, the thicker the flow, the greater the quantity.

Why Use Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts offer unique advantages over traditional charts by:

• Providing a visual cue that illustrates the flow of quantities.
• Assisting audiences in seeing the relative proportions of different data categories, providing a better understanding of the flow within a system.
• Highlighting the importance of each component in the system – the arrows’ thickening and directional lines reveal the source from which data flows and its destination.
• Simplifying the analysis of complex systems by breaking them down into smaller, more digestible parts.

How to Create Your Own Sankey Chart?

Creating a Sankey chart can be straightforward with many readily available tools:

1. Software Tools:

   • Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint: Have built-in Sankey chart templates.
   • Lucidchart & Cacoo: Online diagramming tools that offer customizable Sankey chart features.
   • Sankey Charts for PowerPoint: These add-ins offer a wider range of customizations.

2. Steps to Make a Sankey Chart:

   a. Identify Nodes & Flows: Begin by identifying the categories of data and the data flows that need to be represented. Sketch out preliminary layouts of the chart nodes and flows.

   b. Create Nodes and Arrows in Your Chosen Tool: Use the tools to create your nodes and draw your arrows to reflect the flows of data.

   c. Assign Data Values to Flows: Assign values to each flow by scaling the width of the arrows appropriately.

   d. Fine-Tune & Design: Refine the look of your Sankey chart by carefully choosing colors, alignments, and labels.

Applications Beyond Data Visualization

• Process Engineering: Showcasing the flow of materials and operations.

• Economics & Finance: Flow of money in and out of investments.

• Environmental Studies: Water or energy flows within ecosystems.

• Supply Chain Analysis: Visualizing the flow of goods and services.

Conclusion:

The Sankey chart is a potent and fascinating visualization tool, ideal for breaking down complex systems into comprehensive and engaging visual narratives. Whether used in data-heavy business reports, educational materials, or social commentary, Sankey charts represent a crucial stepping-stone in enhancing understanding through visualization. The next time you’re immersed in a complex system needing an illustrative representation, remember to Flow to Understanding with a Sankey chart creation.

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.