What is the purpose of a fishbone diagram?

The purpose of a fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa diagram, is to organize potential causes of a problem in a structured and visual format. It is particularly useful for identifying various factors that contribute to an issue within a process. The diagram resembles a fish's skeleton, with the main "bone" representing the problem and the "bones" branching out representing categories of potential causes. This visualization helps teams systematically explore and categorize the contributing factors, making it easier to pinpoint root causes and develop effective solutions.

By using a fishbone diagram, teams can engage in collaborative brainstorming sessions that facilitate the identification of diverse contributors to a problem, ensuring that no potential cause is overlooked. This tool is widely used in quality improvement initiatives, problem-solving processes, and root cause analysis across various industries, including healthcare and oncology.