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DEFINE: AFFINITY DIAGRAM

 

What does it do? 

An Affinity diagram is a simple way of sorting into different categories.

 

  1. How do you make it? 
  2. Generate and gather ideas to be examined. Write each down on a sticky note.
  3. Sort the sticky notes into groups based on a sense of their perceived similarity (their affinity)
  4. Repeat the process until clear groups emerge.
  5. Repeat the process, even undoing earlier groupings, until all sticky notes have been assigned a group. And all groupings make sense.
  6. Label each group.
  7. Isolate any sticky notes that cannot be sorted into a group.

 

When do you use it?

An Affinity Diagram is useful for:

  • Understanding a topic by identifying the main themes
  • Reaching agreement among team members by identifying common perceptions
  • Focusing note taking and discussion when main headings are provided prior to research or group work.

 

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