What Is the Fishbone Diagram and How Does It Organize Problem Causes?

Overview

Also called the Ishikawa or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, the Fishbone Diagram visually maps out the different causes of a problem to identify its root source.

Structure

• The head of the fish represents the main problem.

• The bones represent categories of causes (e.g., People, Methods, Machines, Materials, Environment, Measurement).

• Sub-branches detail specific causes.

How to Use It

1. Define the problem.

2. Choose main categories relevant to the issue.

3. Brainstorm causes under each category.

4. Analyze for the root cause.

Example

For a manufacturing defect, categories may include Machine (old equipment), People (lack of training), and Method (inefficient process).

Conclusion

The Fishbone Diagram simplifies complex problems into manageable components and is particularly useful for team analysis.