An affinity diagram is a tool for grouping ideas or data. It is based on the natural way of human thinking, which works with categories of concepts rather than the concepts themselves.
The affinity diagram serves as a method for organizing a large number of seemingly unrelated elements into groups. It is often used after brainstorming sessions, where ideas are generated in a scattered and chaotic manner. The affinity diagram aligns with the natural way of human thinking (thinking in categories). It was formally developed as a method by Jiro Kawakita in the 1960s.
The method is effective when there is an overwhelming number of facts or information that cannot be easily grasped. Creating the diagram successfully usually involves working in a team. Affinity diagrams are commonly used in DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) projects, but they can also be employed, for instance, to evaluate customer responses from a public satisfaction survey.
Creating an affinity diagram begins with jotting down ideas (brainstorming, exploration), or facts on sticky notes. The notes are then randomly stuck on a wall. Participants then silently move individual notes into groups or categories. It is allowed to move individual cards between groups. In case reaching a consensus on which group a note belongs to is not possible, a duplicate is created and placed in both groups. Maintaining complete silence during this phase is critical. Loud discussions disrupt other participants.
After forming the groups, each group is given a distinctive name. Sometimes, after creating the groups, a second-level grouping (clustering) may also be performed.
Once completed, the team discusses the outcome and proposes the next steps to address the problem.
The key is to find the internal relationships among the units within each group. These relationships are often invisible at first glance. Grouping seemingly unrelated units makes it easier to devise corrective measures.
An affinity diagram can assist you in navigating through a large amount of data and addressing issues that seem to be influenced by a vast number of factors. It also helps you understand the internal structure and relationships between individual pieces of information.
| Training name | Training duration | Venue | Price | The nearest date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Problem solving |
1 day
(8:00 - 14:00)
|
Online |
450,00 €
540,00 € VAT included
|
12.03.2025
+ 3
|
| Japanese methods of improvement according to TPS (Toyota Production System) |
1 day
|
Company in-house training | On request |
According to you
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