Research

Affinity Diagramming

Transform scattered ideas into actionable insights. This exercise uses collaborative sorting to reveal patterns in Post-Up sticky notes. Participants create logical groupings to build shared understanding.

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Duration
25 mins
Group Size
3-8
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will organize ideas into clusters. They'll identify themes and create shared understanding. The goal is collaborative category naming.
The team will complete an affinity diagram. Organized data will provide a foundation for synthesis.
Decide on predetermined or emergent categories. Emergent usually works best. Discourage talking during silent sorting. Outliers can be innovative. If the team struggles with naming, try "I noticed..." prompts. Some ideas fit multiple categories. Take photos of the final groupings. Sometimes, people struggle to let go of their initial ideas; remind them it's about the collective understanding.

  1. Silent Sorting (12 minutes): Silently read the sticky notes. Move similar ideas together. No talking. Anyone can move any note. Allow natural clusters to emerge.

  2. Theme Naming (8 minutes): Discuss the clusters. Create a descriptive name for each theme. Write theme names on different colored sticky notes. Place theme headers above each cluster. Discuss why items belong together.

  3. Insights & Patterns (5 minutes): Step back and observe the diagram. Identify surprising patterns. Note clusters with the most or least items. Discuss implications for the project. Capture key insights.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • Sticky notes from previous Post-Up

  • Different colored sticky notes

  • Large wall space (6+ feet wide)

  • Markers

  • Tape (if needed)

  • Camera (optional)

  • Numbered labels (optional)

  • String or yarn (optional)

  • Whiteboard markers (optional)

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