What are the best practices for creating accurate and understandable Sankey diagrams?

1 Choose the right data

The first step to create a Sankey diagram is to choose the right data for your purpose and audience. You need to have data that represents the quantity and direction of the flows between different nodes or stages. The data should be consistent, reliable, and relevant to the message you want to convey. You should also avoid using too many or too few nodes or stages, as this can make your Sankey diagram too complex or too simple. A good rule of thumb is to use between 5 and 15 nodes or stages for a Sankey diagram.

2 Design for clarity

The second step to create a Sankey diagram is to design it for clarity and readability. You need to use colors, labels, and scales that make your Sankey diagram easy to understand and interpret. You should use colors that contrast well and indicate the nature or category of the flows. You should also use labels that are concise, descriptive, and aligned with the flows. Moreover, you should use scales that are proportional, accurate, and consistent across the Sankey diagram. You can also use arrows, legends, or annotations to provide additional information or context.

3 Use the right tools

The third step to create a Sankey diagram is to use the right tools that suit your needs and preferences. There are many tools available for creating Sankey diagrams, ranging from online platforms, software applications, to programming languages. Some of the most popular tools are SankeyMATIC, Microsoft Excel, Tableau, R, and Python. You should choose the tool that offers the features, functions, and flexibility that you need for your Sankey diagram. You should also consider the ease of use, cost, and compatibility of the tool.

4 Check for accuracy

The fourth step to create a Sankey diagram is to check it for accuracy and validity. You need to ensure that your Sankey diagram reflects the data and the message that you want to communicate. You should also verify that your Sankey diagram follows the principles of conservation of mass and energy, meaning that the total input and output of the flows are equal. You can use formulas, calculations, or tools to check the balance and accuracy of your Sankey diagram.

5 Test for understanding

The fifth step to create a Sankey diagram is to test it for understanding and feedback. You need to evaluate how well your Sankey diagram conveys the information and the insights that you want to share. You should also ask for feedback from your intended audience or other experts to see if they can understand and interpret your Sankey diagram correctly. You can use surveys, interviews, or tests to measure the comprehension and appreciation of your Sankey diagram.

6 Improve and iterate

The sixth and final step to create a Sankey diagram is to improve and iterate it based on the results of the previous steps. You need to make adjustments and refinements to your Sankey diagram to enhance its accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness. You should also experiment with different data, design, and tools to see if they can improve your Sankey diagram. You can also compare your Sankey diagram with other examples or best practices to learn from them and improve your own skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?