Affinity Diagramming

What is Affinity Diagramming?

This process can be used to categorise the data from usability testing.

Observers go through their notes and identify unsolved issues they believe are most important
They write those issues (5 approx), one per card, onto cards or sticky notes
Tape all cards to wall in random order
Everyone reads all the cards
A person who discovers a card that covers the same issue as one of their own is allowed to remove their own card
If people think of additional issues they are allowed to add cards
Sort cards into groups without discussion
If someone disagrees with how a group has been set up, they should simply move the cards
Look for large groups that could be subdivided
Look for small groups that have the same theme
Keep the process going until no further changes are made. A solo card or two is ok
Each participant has the opportunity to name each group with sticky notes. The name should reflect the theme of the group
If you get to a group that had a name you agree with, there is no need to create a duplicate
Individually, write down the name of the three most important groups – the ones that would have the greatest impact on the next release
Put an X on the sticky of your third choice, a XX on your second choice and XXX on your first choice
Prioritise groups according to amount of XXXs
Check consensus with discussion
Discuss any dissenting views
Start at the top of the priority list and discuss each category in turn, in terms of observations, insights, solutions & proposals.