Sankey charts are powerful tools for visualizing the complex flow of energy, materials, or costs within a process. They present the transfer of flow as a series of horizontal or vertical arrows, which thicken to represent the magnitude of the flow. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating effective Sankey charts that can help you uncover trends and patterns in your data.
### Step 1: Understand Your Data
Before creating a Sankey chart, take time to understand your dataset. Identify the key elements of your process—inputs, outputs, flows of resources, and perhaps various stages or steps. Ensure that your data is quantifiable and ready for visualization.
### Step 2: Choose the Right Software
Select a Sankey chart tool that suits your needs. There are various software options available, like Microsoft Excel with its Data Visualization tools, dedicated Sankey chart software like Sankey Diagram, or other data visualization platforms such as Tableau or Power BI.
### Step 3: Set Up the Basic Structure
Start by setting up the basic structure of your Sankey chart. This involves creating blocks for inputs, processes, outputs, and additional segments that represent the different flows within your process. The layout can be horizontal or vertical, depending on what best suits your dataset and the aspect ratio of your presentation or report.
### Step 4: Define Arrow Paths and Thickness
For each input, map out the arrows that represent the flows to the process or output nodes. The thickness of the arrows should reflect the magnitude of the flow. In your data tool, you’ll likely have the option to define this thickness based on a specific metric or scale.
### Step 5: Customize Your Nodes
Add labels to each node, clearly identifying it and what it represents. Customize the nodes with colors to differentiate between different types of inputs, processes, or outputs.
### Step 6: Incorporate Intermediary Boxes
To represent multiple steps within a process, you can add intermediary boxes where the thickness of the arrows will change. This indicates a transformation or an accumulation or distribution of resources.
### Step 7: Validate Your Data
Ensure that your Sankey chart accurately represents your processes by reviewing the data that dictates the thickness of the arrows. The sums of all the flows should equal the quantity of the input or output on both ends of the chart to prevent omissions or errors.
### Step 8: Add Interactivity
Consider adding interactive elements to your Sankey chart if your tool supports them. This could include hovering to reveal detailed data points or filtering specific flows for more in-depth analysis.
### Step 9: Iterate and Refine
Review your chart with stakeholders or users, gather feedback, and iterate on your design. Be open to adjusting your chart layout or refining data representations based on this feedback.
### Step 10: Finalize and Share
After a round of revisions, finalize your Sankey chart. Share it with your intended audience through your data visualization tool’s export options, embed it on websites, or present it in meetings to illustrate your processes with clarity and impact.
Sankey charts can provide a deep understanding of process flow and can often reveal inefficiencies, reveal opportunities for improvement, or simply help to communicate the big picture. With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to creating Sankey charts that effectively convey the dynamic nature of your data flow.
