Glossaries
Fishbone Diagram
What is a Fishbone Diagram in User Research?
A Fishbone Diagram, also known as an Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a visual tool used in user research to identify and analyze the potential causes of a problem or effect. It organizes various contributing factors into major categories, resembling the skeleton of a fish.
Synonyms: Ishikawa Diagram, Cause-and-Effect Diagram, Root Cause Analysis Diagram
How to Create a Fishbone Diagram
Creating a Fishbone Diagram involves the following steps:
- Define the problem or effect at the "head" of the fish.
- Draw the main "spine" of the fish.
- Identify major categories of potential causes and draw them as "bones" off the spine.
- Brainstorm specific causes within each category and add them as smaller bones.
- Analyze the diagram to identify root causes and potential solutions.
Benefits of Using Fishbone Diagrams in User Research
Fishbone Diagrams offer several advantages in user research:
- Visual representation: They provide a clear, easy-to-understand visual of complex problems.
- Comprehensive analysis: They encourage researchers to consider multiple factors and their relationships.
- Team collaboration: They facilitate group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Root cause identification: They help pinpoint the underlying causes of user issues.
Examples of Fishbone Diagram Applications
Fishbone Diagrams can be applied in various user research scenarios:
- Analyzing reasons for low user engagement with a new feature.
- Investigating causes of high bounce rates on a website.
- Exploring factors contributing to poor user satisfaction scores.
- Identifying potential barriers to user adoption of a product.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main categories typically used in a Fishbone Diagram for user research?: Common categories include User Interface, User Experience, Technology, Environment, Process, and People.
- How does a Fishbone Diagram differ from other user research tools?: Unlike tools like surveys or interviews that gather data, Fishbone Diagrams help organize and analyze existing information to identify root causes.
- Can Fishbone Diagrams be used in combination with other user research methods?: Yes, they are often used to analyze data collected through other methods like usability testing or user interviews.
