Sankey chart is a powerful chart that can help you effectively communicate complex data in presentations. It is a non-parametric method that uses a network of directed arrows, which represent the direction of flow, to display data. In this article, we will take a deep dive into how to use sankey charts to communicate complex data and save time in presentations.
1. Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are used to represent the flow of data between different sources and destinations. It helps to explain the relationship between variables for decision-makers, planners, and researchers. Sankey charts are versatile and can be used to illustrate relationships, trends, or comparisons between different data sets.
2. Understanding the Data You Want to Display
Before using sankey charts, it is essential to understand the data you want to display. It is important to ensure that the data is accurate and complete. Once you have a proper understanding of the data, you can proceed with the creation process.
- Creating Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are created using a simple process that involves several steps. Here are the steps you should follow to create sankey charts.
- Define the data you want to display.
- Choose the type of sankey chart you want to create. There are three common sankey chart types: flowchart-style, network-style, and table-style.
- Decide the direction of the arrows, i.e., source, target, or both.
- Designate flow direction for each node.
- Plot each flow node and arrow on the sankey chart.
- Add labels and colors to the chart for clarity.
Sankey chart creation can be done online using various online tools such as Canva, Piktochart, or even Microsoft Excel. You can also hire an expert graphic designer to do the work for you using specialized design software.
- Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts can be applied in presentations to explain complex data in an easy-to-understand way. Here are some practical examples:
- Flow-of-ideas or brainstorming: Use sankey charts to represent the flow of ideas among team members in brainstorming sessions.
- Project management: Use sankey charts to illustrate the relationship between tasks, tasks, and managers/project supervisors.
- Analysis and decision-making: Use sankey charts to show the flow of data between different data sets.
- Conclusion
Sankey charts are a great tool for communicating complex data in presentations. It’s essential to choose the right data set, create the chart correctly, and choose the right direction and flow for better clarity and accuracy. Sankey charts are versatile, easy to create, and save time when using it in a presentation.
SankeyMaster
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