Unpacking the Complexity of Systems with Sankey Diagrams: A Step-by-Step Visualization Guide
Sankey diagrams represent the flow and distribution of entities, resources, or data in systems, allowing for a visual exploration of complex processes. These diagrams are particularly advantageous when dealing with intricate systems that involve numerous interconnections and transformations. By understanding the principles and steps involved in crafting and interpreting Sankey diagrams, one can effectively analyze system complexity, enhance decision-making, and improve the clarity of communication within a team.
Step 1: Define the System’s Scope
Before diving into creating a Sankey diagram, clearly define the boundaries and components of the system you wish to visualize. Identify the starting and ending states of the flow, as well as the intermediate nodes where the flow undergoes transformations or is distributed. This scope-setting ensures the diagram accurately captures the system’s essence without including extraneous information.
Step 2: Collect Data on Flow Rates
Gather data that characterizes the flows within your system. This includes the volume, velocity, or intensity of the flows. The accuracy of your Sankey diagram depends heavily on having reliable data across all components of your system. Ensure that you identify both internal flows (from one part of the system to another) and external flows (in and out of the system itself).
Step 3: Determine Flow Relationships
Identify the relationships between different components of your system. Understand how each part contributes to the system’s overall operation, and document it through your data collection process. Identify whether flows increase, decrease, or balance through a series of exchanges.
Step 4: Plan Layout and Flow Presentation
Choose an appropriate layout for your Sankey diagram, considering the overall flow direction and the number of components. Start with a linear layout along the X-axis, Y-axis, or a radial arrangement, depending on the diagram’s intended audience and complexity. The presentation should clearly depict the magnitude of flows and their direction, typically using thickness to reflect volume and color for categorization or temporal change visualization.
Step 5: Create Diagram with Tools
Fortunately, Sankey diagrams can be created using various software tools designed for data visualization. Some popular options include Microsoft PowerBI, Tableau, Python libraries like Plotly and Matplotlib, and R packages like ggsankey and ggplot2. Import your data into the tool of your choice and use the templates or guidelines provided to create your Sankey diagram. Tools often provide direct support for customizing the thickness, color, and labels of individual flows.
Step 6: Test Diagram for Clarity and Accuracy
Review your Sankey diagram to ensure that it is both visually appealing and accurately represents the system’s data. Check for any discrepancies, errors, or unclear sections and make necessary adjustments. The diagram should have strong contrast and legibility to efficiently convey the intended message.
Step 7: Interpret and Analyze the Diagram
With a clear understanding of the data and how it’s represented, engage in a thorough analysis of the Sankey diagram to identify patterns, trends, and potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies within the system. Highlight insights discovered, and discuss their implications with stakeholders or the broader team.
Step 8: Communicate the Results
Present the Sankey diagram to your audience, emphasizing the key takeaways derived from your analysis. This visual aid should help in better communication and decision-making, as it simplifies complex systems into comprehensible components, facilitating understanding and action.
By following these steps, you can leverage Sankey diagrams to effectively communicate the dynamics and complexities of any system, from resource allocation in a company to the intricate pathways of information in a web system. These diagrams enable a deeper understanding of how different parts of a system interact, making them invaluable tools for enhancing collaboration, transparency, and informed decision-making.
