FacilitationPrincipiante

Affinity Clustering

Developed by Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakita (hence KJ Method), affinity clustering is the process of grouping a large set of ideas, observations, or data points into natural thematic clusters — driven by intuition and similarity rather than predefined categories. The result surfaces the underlying structure of complex information and is a core step in research synthesis, brainstorming, and sensemaking.

Durata

20m–1h

Dimensione del gruppo

2–20 people

Materiali

sticky notes, large wall or board space, markers

Fonte

Community

Come eseguirlo

1
Generate a large number of individual items — one idea, observation, or data point per sticky note.
2
Place all notes randomly on a large surface.
3
Silently (no talking), begin moving notes that 'belong together' into clusters. Everyone moves notes simultaneously.
4
When a note keeps being separated from a cluster, it may need its own cluster or a new one.
5
When movement stabilises, give each cluster a name that captures its essence.
6
Look at the cluster map: what patterns emerge? What's central? What's isolated?
7
Use the clusters to identify themes, priorities, or gaps.

Suggerimenti

The silence during clustering is important — it prevents verbal consensus from overriding genuine affinity.
If two people keep splitting a note, that's a signal the theme needs to be split.
Clusters of one are valid — don't force them to join a larger group.

Variazioni

Run virtually using digital sticky notes (Miro, FigJam) with simultaneous movement. Combine with dot voting on the cluster level to prioritise themes rather than individual items.

Casi d'uso

User research synthesisBrainstorming consolidationProblem definitionData sense-making workshops

Domande frequenti

Quando usare Affinity Clustering?▾

Usa Affinity Clustering quando vuoi: User research synthesis; Brainstorming consolidation; Problem definition; Data sense-making workshops.

Quanto dura Affinity Clustering?▾

Affinity Clustering dura tipicamente da 20 a 60 minuti.

Per quanti partecipanti è adatto Affinity Clustering?▾

Affinity Clustering funziona meglio per gruppi di 2–20 partecipanti.

Di quali materiali ho bisogno per Affinity Clustering?▾

Per condurre Affinity Clustering avrai bisogno di: sticky notes, large wall or board space, markers.

Quanto è difficile facilitare Affinity Clustering?▾

Affinity Clustering è classificato come principiante — facile da facilitare anche senza esperienza precedente.

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Method descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices.