Sorted stream graph

Alternative name:

Theme river; stream graph

This is a type of stacked area chart where the layers are sorted along a central axis, creating a flowing, organic shape that emphasises changes and relative proportions over time.

Tips for use and when NOT to use

Make sure that the data has a clear order over time, such as chronological or by a particular variable. Limit the number of categories to avoid visual clutter. Use a clear colour scheme to differentiate between categories.

Use case / Examples

To track the changing popularity of different digital transformation strategies over time, with the most popular strategy always appearing at the top.

Question example:

How has the popularity of different cloud computing providers changed among your company's target audience?

Recommended Survey Question Types:

Date/Time response, Rating scale