Cause and Effect Diagram

A Cause and Effect Diagram, also known as a Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the possible causes of a specific problem. It resembles a fishbone structure, with the main problem at the head and various categories of causes branching off like bones. This diagram helps teams systematically explore all potential factors—such as people, processes, equipment, or environment—that might contribute to the issue. By organizing causes visually, it makes it easier to pinpoint root causes and develop effective solutions.