Affinity Clustering
A Core Method to Understand
Affinity Clustering is a core visual technique designers use to sort ideas, observations or data points by similarity or relevance. It is especially helpful when we are overwhelmed by too much information and need to bring some order to chaos.
It is a quick and easy method that can be used by an individual or in a collaborative setting to:
Identify problems, patterns, insights
Find focus
Drive discussions, hear diverse perspectives
Create shared understanding
In family life, we constantly juggle different needs, emotions, maturity levels, perspectives. When we try to make group decisions or find alignment, it can often feel overwhelming, leaving us stuck, unsure how to move forward, or worse, with one person taking charge leaving the rest feeling unheard or frustrated.
Whether we are defining our values, working through a recurring challenge, or looking for new solutions, by incorporating this simple and versatile technique at home, we can help cut through the noise and see where we can take action.
Things you’ll need to start
Sticky notes
Pens or markers
A flat surface (wall, table, or large sheet of paper)
Quick Guide with Example
Time: 15-30 minutes
Identify a facilitator, collaborators, and a topic for discussion.
Facilitator: Mom
Collaborators: Dad, 5yr old, 8yr old
Topic: Shared Family ValuesPose a question related to the topic.
“What do you think are some of the things that are important for our family?” or
“What do you love/not like about our family, what do you want to see or do more of?”Write one thought per note.
If you’re working with younger kids, this step will need more facilitation. Invite them to share their thoughts out loud, clarify if needed, and write down each thought without judgment. Share, group and discuss as one continuous, guided activity.
“More friends to play at our house”
“Be able to do what I want, when I want to”
“Not yell”Share and place each idea.
Take turns reading each note aloud and placing it on a surface. Group similar ideas as you go, or set aside ones that don’t fit yet. Repeat until all notes are shared.
“More friends to play at our house”
“Hang out more with family friends”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“More fun activities together”
“Spend more time without device”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Responsible for what we need to do”
“Everyone to help out around the house”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Be respectful and kind”
“Not yell”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Be honest with each other”
“Safe to be ourselves around each other at home”
“Be less judgemental or critical”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Not be so strict with rules”
“Be able to do what I want, when I want to”
“More game time”Discuss and refine the clusters.
Review the groupings together and adjust as needed if new patterns emerge. Once they feel right, label each cluster with a name that reflects the theme. Add subgroups if it helps clarify.
[Shared Value: Human Connection, Relationships]
Social connections
“More friends to play at our house”
“Hang out more with family friends”
Family connections
“More fun activities together”
“Spend more time without device”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Important behaviour]
Take Responsibility, Accountability
“Responsible for what we need to do”
“Everyone to help out around the house”
Respectful & Kind behaviour
“Be respectful and kind”
“Not yell”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Important environment to create]
Safe space to be authentic at home
“Be honest with each other”
“Safe to be ourselves around each other at home”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Feedback from kids to take into consideration]
Independence, autonomy, decision-making
“Not be so strict with rules”
“Be able to do what I want, when I want to”
“More game time”
[Potential things to consider based on feedback]
More opportunities to experiment/fail
“Be less judgemental or critical”
“Encourage continuous learning”
Tips when applying this at home:
Facilitators are part of the process.
When you’re guiding the activity at home, you’re also likely contributing. Aim to stay neutral and non-judgmental, especially if the topic is personal. If needed and if possible, ask another adult to help keep the tone balanced.With younger children,
Break the activity into shorter sessions, or keep discussions light and broad at first. You can always return to deepen understanding over time.
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