Affinity diagram
A diagram that is used as a method of sorting qualitative data, which usually comes in the form of short phrases or sentences (eg. 'Customers are unhappy with delivery delays'). It is often done with Post-it Notes, although the original method used 3" x 5" cards.
It is a great method of working as a group to sort out issues and fuzzy situations. It is also useful for sorting such as customer comments from surveys.
Building an Affinity Diagram is often known as 'doing a KJ', after its originator, Kawakita Jiro (this is in order of surname, given name, as in the Japanese tradition).
Back to tools page
Back to tools page
Part of the CQI knowledge portal.
© 2009 The Chartered Quality Institute