Question 1

What is the affinity diagram method (KJ method)?

Accepted Answer

The affinity diagram method (KJ method) is one of the Seven New QC Tools, an ideation technique devised by cultural anthropologist Jiro Kawakita. Ideas and information generated through brainstorming and similar methods are written on cards (sticky notes) and grouped based on similarity (affinity) to organize and understand the structure of a problem. In English it is called the "Affinity Diagram".

Question 2

How do you create an affinity diagram?

Accepted Answer

An affinity diagram is created in the following steps. Create cards: Write ideas and facts about the topic on cards (sticky notes), one item per card. Group: Gather cards with similar content into groups. Add headers: Give each group a "header (group name)" that concisely describes its content. Arrange and organize: Lay out the whole while considering the relationships between groups to understand the structure.

Question 3

How do I add a card?

Accepted Answer

Enter text in the "Add Card" section of the sidebar, choose a color, and click the "+" button or press Enter. A new card will be added to the canvas.

Question 4

How do I add a group?

Accepted Answer

Enter a group name in the "Add Group" section of the sidebar, choose a color, and click the "+" button or press Enter. A new group area will be added to the canvas.

Question 5

How do I sort cards into groups?

Accepted Answer

In the "Card List" of the sidebar, use the dropdown on the right of each card to select a group and change its assignment. You can also drag cards on the canvas to move them.

Question 6

How do I edit card or group labels?

Accepted Answer

Double-click a card or group name on the canvas to edit the text directly. Press Enter to confirm or Escape to cancel.

Question 7

Is there an auto-save feature?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is. Your chart data is saved automatically to your browser's local storage. When you reload the page, or close and reopen your browser, you can restore the saved data. You can also revert to the default data by pressing the reset button at the top-right of the data input area. Local storage data is saved only in your browser and is not shared with other users. If local storage is disabled in your browser settings, the auto-save feature will not work. Clearing your browser cache will also delete the saved data.

Question 8

How can I save the chart as an image?

Accepted Answer

Click the "Download Image" button below the preview area to download your chart in PNG/JPEG/SVG format with your chosen quality. If you want to change the aspect ratio, drag the handle at the bottom-right corner of the preview frame to adjust it.

Create an Affinity Diagram (KJ Method)

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use Create an Affinity Diagram (KJ Method)

Add elements

Edit relationships

Download the image

All Free Graph & Chart Tools

Bar Charts & Comparison

Line & Area Charts

Pie Charts & Proportions

Distribution & Statistics

Hierarchy & Relationships

Flow & Process

Shapes & Space

Quality Control (QC)

Others

Create an Affinity Diagram (KJ Method)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the affinity diagram method (KJ method)?

Q.How do you create an affinity diagram?

Q.How do I add a card?

Q.How do I add a group?

Q.How do I sort cards into groups?

Q.How do I edit card or group labels?

Q.Is there an auto-save feature?

Q.How can I save the chart as an image?