WHAT IS AFFINITY MAPPING?

WHAT IS AFFINITY MAPPING?

As a cardiologist is acquainted with coronary artery and Echo. Likewise, an architect is very well familiar with Miesian and parametric. Thus, we see that to be specific in the core field, jargon is used. Yes, jargon- technical terminology used by a group of people in a particular profession. In UI/UX design there are some terms as well, which are specifically handed down by UI/UX designers.

There is a plethora of jargon cited in the design field. Let us bring one common term to the table.

Affinity Map- a UX designer’s tool

Also known as the affinity diagram, is one of the initial tools used by designers. We all would have seen a group of designers standing in front of a wall where a bunch of colorful notes are stuck, these notes make an affinity map. Before reaching to the target, the foremost thing is to get some ideas. Different individuals think differently. The diverse concepts when regrouped chronologically can create a better design to reach to the next step. It helps the team to collaboratively analyze research findings.:

Used by the team which helps

• To quickly organize observations, thoughts, and ideas for a research study.
• In visual view of research to capture data that assists in getting themes, trends and needs.
• To categorize bulky volume of data into chosen categories.
• To outline product requirements or to plan future product structures.

Tools Required- Only a few tools are required. These can be:

• Sticky notes of various colors.
• Black sharpie (marker).
• An empty surface be it a wall, whiteboard or table to put notes on.

Creating an affinity map: Some steps are to be followed

• Write down every idea on a sticky note or colored paper.
• Encourage to write many ideas.
• Stick it on the empty wall.
• Categorize the related notes in a cluster.
• Give a heading to the sorted similar ideas. Sort the related notes into subcategories.
• Extract insight and plan the next step.

Thus, we find that affinity mapping is an indispensable step to follow to finalize the target. It will be appropriate to relate the whole process in a nutshell with the saying of George Henry Lewes “Science is the systematic classification of experience”