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Relations Diagram: How to do itThe Quality Toolbook > Relations Diagram > How to do it When to use it | How to understand it | Example | How to do it | Practical variations
How to do it
The most common Relations Diagram is a map of the interrelationship between the causes of one or more problems, in which case the question is, 'What directly causes this item?'. Some other possible relationships are discussed under Practical Variations.
Mark the problem cards to differentiate them from other cards, for example with a bold border.
Putting cards into a random order before selecting them destroys any prior patterns and encourages more creative and original thought when reorganizing them in step 7.
Thus, if there is one problem and many apparent interrelationships between item cards, place the problem card centrally. If it looks like there are long chains of relationships, with some being remotely connected with the problem, put the problem card on the right. If there are multiple problems with many shared item cards, space the problem cards out around the edge of the area. The organization area needs to be large enough to easily contain all cards, spaced out sufficiently to draw in arrows between them (in step 9).
Move this to the organization area, as in the diagram below, placing it near the appropriate problem card, leaving space to draw an arrow between the two cards (do not draw any arrows now, as cards may be moved). This may require some discussion, but avoid lengthy argument as this may make the session overly long. Repeat this step, selecting and placing cards near the problem cards, until all cards with a direct relationship have been moved.
Fig. 1. Moving cards to form diagram
You may have to pause occasionally to move cards on the organization area, to make space for new cards or show newly discovered relationships. In these cases, be careful to preserve the relative positioning of cards. During this process, additional new cards may be written as new relationships are noticed.
Beware of adding arrows for weak relationships, as this can result in the important link being hidden in a mass of arrows. If in doubt, draw in the main links first, and only add lesser links as long as the diagram remains intelligible. Also avoid two-way arrows; where the relationship is bidirectional, place the arrowhead to show the most significant direction.
Fig. 2. Adding arrows to show relationships
If the diagram may be read by people who do not understand the symbols, add a key.
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