The advent of Data has brought along a wealth of insights and a plethora of challenges. The challenge of extracting value from large sets of data lies in the ability to visualize and interpret that data. One such visual tool that has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of data storytelling is the Sankey chart.
Sankey charts derive much of their narrative power from simplicity—in the way they represent flows within a system, and in the way they present those flows in an easily comprehensible form. A typical Sankey diagram consists of a node (usually a person or a process) that branches into several outbound links representing flows of resources like money, water, population, etc. Each link is proportional to the resource it represents.
The narrative flow of data with the aid of Sankey charts can be compared to embarking on a river of data, with each node we visit signifying a pivotal decision, a critical juncture leading to outcomes measured and represented by link widths. To navigate effectively is the artisan’s task; a task that balances aesthetic appeal with clear, accurate representation of data.
Creating Sankey charts calls for the analyst to think like a designer, combining technical skills with creative insights. Begin by identifying your goals. Are you telling a story of production costs? Is it about energy flow? Knowing your narrative focus is the first step in selecting the right data, identifying relevant nodes, and mapping out the flows.
The design phase is a dance between abstraction and specificity. Abstract too much and your viewer will struggle to follow the story. Be too specific and your chart risks becoming cluttered. Find the balance that allows complex flows of data to be shown in a clear and engaging manner. This is where expertise shines—expertise in understanding the art of simplicity and in recognizing its use as a potent communication tool.
In terms of applications, Sankey charts excel in a plethora of fields including business analytics, environmental research, supply chain management, and energy consumption studies, to name a few. In business, they are utilized to illustrate the distribution of costs among different departments or stages of production, or to show the revenue generated from various sources. In environmental studies, they tell the story of the carbon footprint, illustrating the sources and destinations of emissions.
The narrative aspect of Sankey charts lies in the ability of the visual flow to convey a series of cause-and-effect relationships. They paint the big picture while also allowing for a deep dive into the details. It’s about more than just sharing statistics; it’s about sharing the story that those statistics tell. It’s about seeing not just the whole, but the parts that make up the whole, and understanding the relationships between them.
Embracing Sankey charts for data storytelling invites a new language of analytics. Instead of presenting numbers on a page, it presents a conversation, an exchange of information, and most importantly, a narrative that audiences are drawn to understand.
When used effectively, Sankey charts elevate the art of data visualization, turning mere numbers into powerful visual stories. This is more than just data. This is data come to life. This is narration flow at work.
In the era of data saturation, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the story we want to tell. The narrative flow of data, propelled by the clean lines and unambiguous language of Sankey charts, offers a potent tool for engaging, informing, and ultimately changing the way we look at and understand data.
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.
