Sankey diagrams, named after Ralph Sankey, who initially proposed them for the visualization of energy flow, have evolved into powerful tools for visual communication. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which primarily focus on the flow and sequence of tasks or information over time, Sankey diagrams are designed to depict the direction and volume of material or information flows between processes or stages. This makes them particularly effective for illustrating data transfers, energy movements, or any kind of flow between variables. In today’s article, we’ll explore how to create clever communication with Sankey diagrams, focusing on their creation process and various applications.

The Essence of a Sankey Chart

A Sankey chart is structured around a set of nodes and the “legs” or links that connect them, representing the flow between these nodes. These links are typically displayed as bars that are both width-proportional and color-coded, enabling viewers to quickly grasp the magnitude of each flow. The thickness of these bars is directly proportional to the volume of the flow, making it a visually powerful tool for data visualization.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Sankey Diagrams

1. Gather Data: The first step is collecting the data you wish to visualize. This could be anything from the energy transfer between appliances to the spread of information across a social platform. Remember, the more data you have, the more detailed your Sankey diagram will be.

2. Organize Your Data – Once you have your data, organize it into a matrix or table format where each row represents a source or destination node and each column represents a subsequent step or node in the flow. Make sure the data is accurate and complete for effective visualization.

3. Determine the Flow Sequence: Decide on the order in which your flows should start and end. This will help in creating a coherent and logical flow from your source to your destination nodes.

4. Choose a Software or Program to Create Your Sankey Diagram: There are several tools available, both free and paid, including Python libraries like Bokeh, Plotly, or Matplotlib for technical data visualization to simpler options like Canva or Microsoft Excel. Choose one that best suits your skills level and the complexity of your data.

5. Create Your Sankey Diagram: Starting from your source node, create links across your nodes, adjusting widths and colors according to your data. This is where having an accurate and organized dataset will pay off. Professional tools like Tableau or Power BI offer more customization options and are excellent for more complex diagrams.

6. Add Legends and Labels: Make sure your diagram is self-explanatory with clear labels for each node and the flow. Use legends for any colors or icons you’ve used to denote different types of flows or steps.

7. Review and Refine: Once your Sankey diagram is complete, take a step back and review it. Are the flows logically represented? Does the color scheme help in distinguishing between different sets of flows? Refine your diagram based on these questions to improve its clarity and impact.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are not just limited to visualizing flow processes. Here are a few diverse applications:

• Energy Flow Analysis: Companies often use Sankey diagrams to represent energy consumption in buildings, power plants, or even the energy flow of a single system.

• Data Flow and Network Traffic: Data scientists and network engineers use Sankey diagrams to understand the movement of data through networks, from servers to databases and applications.

• Economic Flows: Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize trade flows between countries, helping in analyzing economic development and trade balance.

• Information Diffusion: On social media platforms, they can help in understanding how information spreads among different sections of a community or platform.

• Water and Liquids Flow: Engineers use these diagrams to depict the movement of water or other liquids through pipes, aquifers, or any other system.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams offer a unique way to communicate complex information flows in a visually appealing and understandable manner. By following the steps outlined above, anyone can create effective and clear Sankey diagrams tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re a data analyst looking to present insights from your work or a marketing professional seeking to communicate your brand’s value chain, Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool in your visual communication arsenal.

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