A graphic technique for sorting items according to similarity
Use this template to reveal patterns by sorting items based on similarities. This helps to define commonalities that are not necessarily obvious.
This design thinking method allows you to draw insights and new ideas out of otherwise disparate pieces of information. Discerning patterns among data is also a useful way to tame complexity.
To run a successful affinity clustering exercise, follow the steps below.
Add data to the template in the form of sticky notes, broken out by topic or participant. This can take the form of research data, user feedback, notes from a retrospective — anything where you have a large dataset to analyze.
Have your team look over the data points and assign them to clusters based on themes. As you do this, look for what patterns emerge. Define each theme or category with a sentence or description.
Once the themes have emerged from your clustering exercise, the natural next step is to use your findings to inform further decision-making. What action items or next steps do your themes suggest?
To run a successful affinity clustering workshop with your team, you should:
Affinity clustering, also known as affinity diagramming or KJ method, is a design thinking technique used to organize and prioritize ideas generated during a brainstorming or ideation session. It involves grouping similar ideas into clusters or categories based on their relationships to each other. Affinity clustering is commonly used in project management, product development, and other collaborative settings to facilitate decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation.
The purpose of an affinity diagram is to organize and make sense of a large number of ideas or data points generated during a brainstorming or ideation session. By grouping similar ideas together based on their relationships, an affinity diagram helps to identify patterns, themes, and insights that may not be immediately apparent when looking at individual ideas in isolation.
This can help teams make better decisions, prioritize ideas, and develop more effective solutions to complex problems.
Additionally, the process of creating an affinity diagram is often highly collaborative, allowing team members to work together to find common ground and develop a shared understanding of the problem or opportunity at hand.
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