Creating an Affinity Diagram is a fun way to organize facts or ideas. It works especially well when there seems to be chaos. It can be useful in generating broad themes and can definitely catalyze creativity and breakthrough thinking.
An affinity diagram, groups related ideas together. Unlike an Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram, the ideas are not necessarily causally related. Whenever I see an Ishikawa diagram that doesn’t extend to more than two branches (a big branch off of the main spine, and a smaller branch off of that one), it usually seems to me that an affinity diagram would have been a better solution—and a lot more fun to generate. Gather together a team of people who are familiar with the topic to be addressed. They should have the requisite knowledge and experience and be accustomed to working together but avoid “the same old crew.” We’re aiming for creativity here so some new blood will be helpful. Broadly state the issue to be addressed using neutral language. For example, use the word issue rather than problem. Use brainstorming to generate ideas. Be sure that when you complete the clarification step, each statement has a verb and a noun if possible. After the ideas have been finalized, write each one down on a large “Post-It” note. Using a large section of blank wall, stick up the notes in random order. In silence (yes, really) the team should begin to move the notes into related groupings. The ground rules, in addition to no discussion, are react more than contemplate, move the card if you disagree, and try to avoid “known” groupings. There will typically be 6 to 10 groupings when you’re finished. For each grouping either find a card in the group that would work well as a header or make one. Header cards should be three to five words long and avoid jargon or comfortable terms. An ideal header would be able to stand alone and convey the essence of the group. To display the affinity diagram, draw boundaries around each group and its header. Place related groupings near each other and connect with a line. If appropriate, you can create a super-group of two or more individual groups and develop a super-header.
