KJ-Method Template - Free Audio Method Questions Priorities Decisions

How Can the KJ-Method Improve Your Decision-Making Process? 25 Insightful Questions

The KJ-Method template, also known as the Affinity Diagram , is a powerful framework for organizing complex data and ideas. By grouping related concepts together, this technique helps teams identify patterns and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Named after its creator, Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakita, the KJ-Method is often used in brainstorming sessions, problem-solving, and decision-making processes.

This template is highly effective for teams looking to break down large, unstructured ideas into actionable insights. The KJ-Method allows you to make sense of large volumes of information, providing clarity and direction during the decision-making process.

KJ-Method Template with 25 Guiding Questions to Establish Priorities

Step	Description	Guiding Questions
Idea Generation – How can we encourage open and creative thinking?	This step involves gathering a wide range of ideas from team members, without any initial judgment or categorization. It encourages free-flowing creativity and ensures all perspectives are heard.	How can we create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas? What brainstorming techniques could we use to generate diverse perspectives? How can we avoid dismissing ideas too early in the process? Are there any unconventional methods to encourage creativity in our team? What can we learn from past brainstorming sessions to improve idea generation?
Grouping Ideas – How can we find meaningful connections between our ideas?	After gathering ideas, they are sorted into related groups or clusters. This step helps to identify common themes, trends, or patterns that will guide the next phase of analysis.	What similarities or patterns are emerging among the ideas we've generated? How can we group these ideas in a way that makes sense? What criteria should we use to categorize ideas? Are there any outlier ideas that don't fit neatly into any group? What new insights are we gaining from organizing these ideas?
Labeling Clusters – What labels best represent the essence of each group?	Each group of ideas is assigned a label that captures its key theme or concept. Effective labeling is crucial for clarifying the core insights behind each cluster.	What label best captures the essence of this group? Does this label accurately reflect the key ideas in the cluster? Can we create labels that are both concise and meaningful? Are there alternative ways to phrase this label for better clarity? What do these labels reveal about our overall brainstorming session?
Prioritizing Clusters – How can we determine which ideas deserve further focus?	Once labeled, the groups are prioritized based on their relevance and importance to the decision at hand. This step helps narrow the focus to the most actionable and impactful ideas.	Which of these groups seem most relevant to our goals? What criteria should we use to prioritize these clusters? Which ideas have the greatest potential for impact? Are there any groups that should be de-prioritized? How do we ensure we're focusing on the most valuable ideas?
Action Plan – What steps can we take to implement the insights?	Finally, the most important clusters are turned into actionable steps. The action plan should be clear, specific, and aligned with the overall objectives of the project or decision.	What concrete steps can we take to implement the top ideas? Who will be responsible for carrying out each action? How can we measure the success of these actions? What resources or support do we need to execute the plan? How do we ensure our action plan is aligned with the organization's goals?

The KJ-Method template is an excellent technique for teams dealing with large amounts of data, ideas, or feedback. This structured template encourages participants to think creatively and collaboratively, while still ensuring that the process remains organized and productive. The KJ-Method offers a clear pathway from idea generation to actionable outcomes, making it an invaluable tool in both creative brainstorming and structured decision-making.

By using this framework, organizations can ensure that they fully explore all available ideas before making decisions. The technique also helps to identify the most important insights, ensuring that the final decision is informed by both creativity and logic.