Affinity Diagram
Also Known As
Affinity Chart
K-J Method
Description
Affinity diagrams help to unify large amounts of data by finding relationships between concepts or ideas. They allow you to organize facts, opinions, and issues into taxonomies in order to help diagnose complex problems and identify common issues.
Uses
To organize several ideas, such as after brainstorming.
To aid in the identification of primary themes in a set of ideas.
To help simplify large, complex issues into a format that is easier to manage and understand.
How do I use this tool?
1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. Write out the problem so that everyone can see it. Note: If ideas or data have already been generated, skip to step 3.
2. GENERATE IDEAS. Use brainstorming or a similar idea-generation technique to determine all aspects of the problem. Record the ideas using index cards or sticky notes.
3. CLUSTER IDEAS that are similar to each other into groups. To help group similar ideas, think about whether the idea is somehow connected or related to others.
4. CREATE AN AFFINITY CARD (header card) for each group with a short statement that describes the entire group of ideas.
5. Attempt to GROUP THE INITIAL AFFINITY CARDS INTO EVEN BROADER GROUPS (clusters). Continue until the definition of an affinity cluster becomes too broad to have any meaning.
6. COMPLETE THE AFFINITY DIAGRAM. Place the affinity cards on a single large sheet of paper or a whiteboard. Draw borders around each affinity cluster. This resulting diagram will provide insight into the problem.
Expertise Required
This tool is easy to use and requires little or no training.
Recommended Supplies/Materials
Large work surface
Index cards or sticky notes
Advantages
Is user friendly and situationally flexible.
Promotes creativity.
Ideas related to each other will be grouped together in the same category.
Disadvantages
Requires the identification of at least 15 pieces of information.
May require a significant time commitment.
Where can I go to learn more?
George M, Rowlands D, Price M, et al. Working with ideas. The lean six sigma pocket toolbook. New York: McGraw - Hill; 2005. p. 27-32.
Balanced Scorecard Institute. Basic tools for process improvement: affinity diagram. 2009 [cited 2009 June 22]; Available from: https://secureservercdn.net/192.169.220.85/5pt.5d8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/affinity.pdf
American Society for Quality. Idea creation tools: affinity diagram. 2009 [cited 2009 June 22]; Available from: http://www.asq.org/learn-about-quality/idea-creation-tools/overview/affinity.html