Affinity diagram

The affinity diagram is a business tool used to organize ideas and data. It is one of the Seven Management and Planning Tools.

The tool is commonly used within project management and allows large numbers of ideas stemming from brainstorming[1] to be sorted into groups for review and analysis.[2]

The affinity diagram was devised by Jiro Kawakita in the 1960s[3] and is sometimes referred to as the KJ Method.

Process

  1. Record each idea on cards or notes
  2. Look for ideas that seem to be related
  3. Sort cards into groups until all cards have been used.

Once the cards have been sorted into groups the team may sort large clusters into subgroups for easier management and analysis.[4] Once completed, the affinity diagram may be used to create a cause and effect diagram.[5]

References

  1. ^ Affinity Diagram - Kawakita Jiro or KJ Method, Retrieved June 6, 2010
  2. ^ Using Affinity Diagrams to make sense from brainstorming
  3. ^ Improving Performance Through Statistical Thinking By Galen C. Britz
  4. ^ Value: Its Measurement, Design and Management By M. Larry Shillito
  5. ^ NHS Improvement network

External links