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Affinity Diagrams

Problem solvingCreative: visual and prototyping

Reference model

Affinity Diagram StructureA canvas of 7 boxes laid out on a grid of 3 columns and 3 rows: Ideas, Grouping, Prioritization, Cluster 1, Cluster 2, Cluster 3, Action Items.IdeasList of ideas or data points tocategorize.GroupingThemes or categories that emergefrom the ideas.PrioritizationRank the groups based onimportance or relevance.Cluster 1First group of related ideas.Cluster 2Second group of related ideas.Cluster 3Third group of related ideas.Action ItemsNext steps based on the groups identified.

Affinity diagrams help teams visually categorize and prioritize ideas.

About this model

A visual tool for organizing ideas into clusters based on their affinities, often used in brainstorming sessions.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Look for clusters of similar ideas to identify themes.
  • Use the clusters to guide decision-making and action planning.

What this does

Organizes ideas and data into groups based on their natural relationships, helping teams visualize connections and prioritize themes.

When to use it

Use it when a team has a large set of ideas or data points and needs to find patterns or themes to focus on.

Not when: Do not use it when the data set is too small or when the relationships between ideas are already clear and established.

What happens next

Develop a prioritized action plan based on the grouped themes.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Brainstorming
  • Customer or stakeholder feedback
  • Workshop notes

Feeds into →

  • Prioritization matrix
  • Action plan

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

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Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.