What is Affinity Mapping?
A collaborative technique for organizing large volumes of unstructured data (insights, ideas, quotes, observations) into meaningful clusters by natural grouping. Originally developed by Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakita; also called the KJ Method.
My perspective
In practice
Run after research phases or brainstorming sessions when the team is drowning in sticky notes. Participants write ideas individually, then silently sort them into groups, then name each cluster. The silence prevents premature debate; the grouping reveals hidden structure in messy data. Essential before writing How Might We questions.