From Flows to Flowcharts: A Simplified Glossary of Sankey Charts for Non-Data Geeks
Sankey charts, often likened to the diagram of blood vessels branching out from the heart, hold a unique spot in the world of data visualization, especially for those venturing into the realm of data storytelling. Yet, for many, these charts can feel like jargon-laden labyrinths, a series of complex symbols and equations designed for the data elite. Our mission: to demystify Sankey charts and bring them to the masses.
What Exactly is a Sankey Chart?
Imagine trying to explain the distribution of your last paycheck with a bunch of numbers thrown at you. Frustrating, right? Sankey charts offer a visual alternative to manage these daunting piles of data. Created by British mathematician John Matthew Smith in the 1970s after World War I, Sankey charts display flows of quantities. To put it simply, they illustrate where money, information, goods, or anything else is going and how much is being sent in specific directions.
The Power of Visual Data Communication
To understand the power of Sankey charts, let’s look at the way humans interpret information. We’re naturally inclined to understand the tangible over the abstract. By translating data into visual format, Sankey charts appeal to this innate human tendency. Just as water flows from one place to another, so do information flows within an organization or the lifecycle of a product.
Flow as the Common Thread
The key element in Sankey charts is flow: how it’s distributed and what affects it. Whether analyzing the routing of funds, the allocation of work among teams, or the effectiveness of strategies, flow charts are the linchpin of effective management decision-making.
Creating a Sankey Chart: Step-by-Step for Beginners
While it seems advanced, creating a Sankey chart isn’t as complex as it might sound. Here’s a simplified, step-by-step breakdown that can apply to anyone:
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Identify the Flow: Determine what you want to visualize — whether it’s your energy consumption, financial income, or any other quantitative data.
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Maps the Flow Path: List out the categories into which the flows are segmented.
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Determine the Magnitude: Assign each segment of the flow with a numerical value to represent the volume or quantity.
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Draw the Shapes: Create boxes to signify each segment and connect them with arrows representing the direction of the flow. Add labels to each box and arrow to represent the quantitative values.
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Color Code For Clarity: Use color differences to differentiate between categories, making the chart more understandable.
From flows, to flowcharts, and now to Sankey charts, the evolution of data representation demonstrates human ingenuity and flexibility in expressing complex information concisely. By framing Sankey charts in the language of flow, we create easier-to-understand data visualizations that cater to a broader audience beyond hardcore data geeks.
The next time you find yourself lost in a sea of numbers, consider converting those figures into a Sankey chart. Not only will you simplify the data, but you’ll also discover how powerful visual data communication truly is.
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.
