Benefits of affinity diagraming
Affinity diagramming is a powerful way of extracting regularity and pattern - and hence meaning - from what otherwise looks like a mess of unrelated data. In particular, affinity diagramming:
- Is quick, cheap and easy - it requires no specialised equipment or training, and can be undertaken singly or in group sessions
- Encourages new patterns of thinking - an Affinity exercise is an excellent way to get a group of people to react on a "gut level" rather than mulling things over intellectually. Since brainstorming is often the first step in making an affinity diagram, the team considers all ideas from all members without criticism. This stimulus is often enough to break through traditional or entrenched thinking, enabling the team to develop a creative list of ideas
- Is highly visual - and thus is easy to grasp for most people, both as a method and as a way of presenting meaning
Look out for...
Affinity diagramming can be misused, especially if there is an expectation that meaning and understanding will simply "leap off the wall". So be on the look out for situations or circumstances where you:
- Create an affinity diagram so large that the groupings and patterns are lost
- Expect instant gratification. Sometimes an affinity diagramming exercise will not result in greater understanding; sometimes the exercise needs repeating
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