Affinity Diagram
Affinity DiagramThe Affinity Diagram shows the structure of large, complex factors that have an influence on a problem, and then divides them up into a smaller and simpler structure. The Affinity Diagram does not show a causal relationship between the factors. This diagram is designed to prepare the data for further analysis of the cause-effect relationships. It's also known as a KJ diagram. The History of Affinity DiagramsThe affinity diagram is a business tool for large idea and data organization. It's a part of the Seven Management and Planning Tools. The term affinity diagram was invented by Jiro Kawakita in the 1960s, so now it could be referred to as the KJ Method sometimes. Project Managers use this method right after brainstorming to sort large numbers of ideas into groups, based on their natural relationships. Another area of affinity diagrams usage is contextual inquiry as a way to sort notes and observations from field interviews, open-ended survey responses organizing, support call logs, etc. Other tools include:
When to Use Affinity Diagrams?Once you finished a big brainstorming session with your team or on alone, next handy step will be - Affinity diagram. It is used within Project Managers to organize a large number of ideas and represent it to team members in a better way, so they may see the patterns in what's been discussed and identify possible solutions to problems they have. ConceptDraw STORE offers the Mind Map Exchange Solution from the Collaboration Area which allows to get instantly the access to the ConceptDraw MINDMAP for create Affinity Diagram. Example 1. Mind Map Exchange Solution in ConceptDraw STORE
Best Practices When Creating Affinity Diagrams
Collect and structure factors that impact on a problem. |

Example 2. Factors of Sales Problems
The Benefits for ConceptDraw MINDMAP Brainstorming Software
- ConceptDraw MINDMAP is effective for brainstorming, designing mind maps, idea generating, creative and lateral thinking, creativity and problem solving.
- ConceptDraw MINDMAP is ideal for team and personal work in Business, Marketing and Project Management.
- The libraries with large quantity of vector objects help to illustrate your mind maps and to make them bright, visual and comprehensible.
- Use of View Navigator tool lets create presentations from a mind map: you can simply select the map parts you want to present, sequence your slides, and preview the presentation.
- ConceptDraw MINDMAP provides wide capabilities of importing and exporting in various formats: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, MS Excel, Mindjet MindManager, image, HTML, PDF file.
TEN RELATED HOW TO's:
Communication Tool for Remote Project Management →
Communication is the main challenge and the key success factor for remote project management. Communicating visually via Skype you bring all team and customers onto the one page. Remote Presentation for Skype solution for ConceptDraw MINDMAP helps communicate with remote team and customers in visual manner on wide range of issues. Using this solution for regular status meetings allows you to push your team on tasks and keep task statuses up to date.
Quality Mind Map Solution →
The Quality Mind Map Solution extends ConceptDraw MINDMAP with the addition of a number of Quality Management Mind Maps (Presentations, Meeting Agendas, and problem-solving techniques).
Pyramid Diagram →
Pyramid chart example is included in the Pyramid Diagrams solution from Marketing area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.
Authority Matrix Diagram Software →
You need to draw Authority Matrix Diagram quick and easy? Design it with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM! ConceptDraw DIAGRAM extended with Seven Management and Planning Tools solution from the Management Area is the best Authority Matrix Diagram Software.
Sprint Planning Meeting Agenda →
Use Sprint Planning to visualize the Sprint Planning meeting agenda.
GUI Software →
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software extended with Windows 8 User Interface Solution is a powerful GUI Software. Designing of professional looking Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 user interfaces, and Windows 8 UI design patterns never been easier than now with convenient and useful tools of Windows 8 User Interface Solution from the Software Development area.
Audit Process Flowchart. Audit Flowchart →
Audit Process Flowchart, Audit Flowchart - Audit Flowcharts solution for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Solution Park provides the Audit Flowcharts library with wide variety of predesigned audit flowchart symbols, and also the set of templates and samples allowing you design your own audit flowchart or audit process flowchart in one moment. Simply use any of offered samples and change it for your needs, or fill the desired template.
Settlement Process Flowchart. Flowchart Examples →
Create your own flow charts of settlement processes using the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park. Download easy flowchart software to create settlement process flowcharts show steps of monthly settlement with your business quickly and easily.