The Psychology of Quality and More

String Diagram

The placement of equipment and furniture in work areas is often done randomly and sequentially, rather than with any sense of what positioning will make the work easier. The result is that subsequent work requires much more moving about than is necessary. A part of the problem is that when designing a work area, it can be difficult to 'see' what movement will be necessary.

The String Diagram is a simple tool for analyzing and designing work spaces such that movement can be minimized. The basic diagram simply consists of a map of the work area, with the actual movements drawn on top.

The term 'String Diagram' comes from the way the diagram may be created with a scale drawing, pins and a piece of string (you can then measure the string to see how far the movements are.

See also:

Toolbook chapter: String Diagram