Affinity Clustering template

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.

The affinity clustering template helps you:

• Identify themes and patterns in customer feedback or the user experience

• Simplify complex datasets by grouping items into themes

• Reveal relationships between items or themes that may not be obvious

• Collaborate to make more informed decisions based on the data

How to use the affinity clustering template

To run a successful affinity clustering exercise, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Gather data from a project, research, or brainstorming session

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.

Step 2: Analyze and cluster the data

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.

Step 3: Define action items and next steps

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?

Tips for running an affinity clustering template exercise

To run a successful affinity clustering workshop with your team, you should:

• Include as much data as possible before beginning your workshop so that your team has the best opportunity to identify connections and relationships, further informing the themes that emerge

• Use color coding and tags for sticky notes to help keep track of how your data have moved as you group each item into themes, and the arrange tool to create clean grids once you’re done shifting content around the canvas

• Use anonymous voting to help determine the top priorities and action items that result from your investigation

• Try clustering the idea post-it notes into new groups and changing the number of clusters to find different trends or uncover new pain points