Affinity mapping: bringing your research alive

THIS month I’m going to take a break from detailing UX research methods to focus instead on a core technique for processing the research data you gather, because as I never tire of saying: there’s no point in gathering data if you are not going to do anything with it. Known as affinity mapping, or affinity diagramming, this highly tactile and visual method involves the theming of sticky notes on a wall or other flat surface in order to identify data concentrations, groupings and relationships. I know of no better method to bring your research alive. Affinity mapping instantly makes the abstract more tangible and your next steps more obvious.