Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data or energy through a system. With their use of varying line widths and colors, Sankey diagrams can convey complex information in a clear and concise way. However, not all Sankey diagrams are created equal. In order for a Sankey diagram to be truly beautiful, there are certain elements that must be present.
The labels in a Sankey diagram are crucial to understanding the information being conveyed. The labels should be clear and concise, using appropriate units of measurement to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the labels should be placed in a way that doesn't clutter the diagram, but rather, enhances its readability.
Color coding is an important aspect of creating a beautiful Sankey diagram. Colors can be used to differentiate between different types of data or to highlight specific areas of interest. It is important, however, to use colors sparingly and purposefully to avoid overwhelming the viewer. Additionally, colors should be chosen based on their contrast with the background and other colors used in the diagram. The use of gradients can also add to the beauty of a Sankey diagram. Gradients can be used to add depth and dimensionality to the diagram, making it more visually appealing. When using gradients, it's important to choose colors that complement each other and that are appropriate for the data being presented. Gradients can be used to highlight specific areas of interest in the diagram, such as areas with particularly high or low amounts of data or energy. However, it's important to use gradients sparingly and purposefully to avoid overwhelming the viewer and detracting from the clarity of the diagram. Overall, the use of gradients can be a powerful tool for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a Sankey diagram.
Line widths are another key aspect of a beautiful Sankey diagram. The widths of the lines should be consistent throughout the diagram, with thicker lines representing larger amounts of data or energy. It is important to use appropriate line widths to ensure that the diagram is easy to read and understand.
Scaling is another important element of a beautiful Sankey diagram. The diagram should be scaled in a way that allows for all of the data to be visible, while also maintaining a visually appealing layout. Scaling can also be used to highlight specific areas of interest, such as areas with particularly high or low amounts of data or energy.
A beautiful Sankey diagram should have a clean and minimalistic design. This means that unnecessary clutter should be avoided, and only the essential information should be presented. The layout of the diagram should be easy to follow, with a logical flow of data or energy from one area to the next.
Overall, a beautiful Sankey diagram is one that is clear, concise, and visually appealing. By paying attention to elements such as labeling, color coding, line widths, scaling, and design, it is possible to create a Sankey diagram that effectively communicates complex information in a way that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing.
While Sankey diagrams can be a powerful tool for visualizing data or energy flows, there are certain traps to avoid when creating them. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
One of the most important things to avoid when creating a Sankey diagram is using inaccurate or misleading data. The diagram should accurately represent the data it is based on, and any assumptions or estimates should be clearly labeled as such. Using inaccurate or misleading data can result in a diagram that is not only misleading but can also damage the credibility of the data and undermine its usefulness.
Another common trap to avoid is overcomplicating the diagram. While Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize complex data, it's important to keep the diagram as simple as possible. Too many data points or lines can make the diagram difficult to read and understand. To avoid overcomplicating the diagram, focus on the most important data and use appropriate scales and line widths to make the information easy to interpret.
As mentioned earlier, line widths are an important aspect of a Sankey diagram. However, it's important to use consistent and appropriate line widths. Inconsistent line widths can make the diagram difficult to read, while inappropriate line widths can distort the data being presented. To avoid this, make sure that the line widths are scaled appropriately to the data being presented and that they are consistent throughout the diagram.
The labels in a Sankey diagram are critical to understanding the data being presented. Confusing or misleading labels can make the diagram difficult to interpret and can result in misinterpretation of the data. To avoid this, make sure that the labels are clear, concise, and accurate. Additionally, use appropriate units of measurement and make sure that the labels are placed in a way that enhances the readability of the diagram.
Finally, it's important to consider the audience when creating a Sankey diagram. The diagram should be tailored to the audience's level of knowledge and should use appropriate language and visual cues. For example, if the audience is not familiar with the terminology used in the diagram, it may be necessary to provide additional explanations or definitions.
Note that this advice mostly apply for any data visualization you would create. Simplicity, and putting yourself in the shoes of the reader of the graph, is the golden rule all data analyst should know!
Well, there are many.
Two mention only three, depending on your use case :
If you like beautiful graphs, check out our article about the 5 most beautiful and interesting types of graph we selected! otherwise, check out this amazing blog about sankey diagrams showing hundreds of examples Sankey charts used in many different contexts. Enjoy!