How to Use an Ishikawa Diagram to Troubleshoot Startup Problems

Entrepreneurs, for the most part, love solving problems. The most successful startups are actually people who solve a problem for consumers.

It is due to this fact logical that one of the tools most appropriate for entrepreneurship could be one that helps solve problems. Enter the fishbone diagram.

Fishbone diagrams are tools used to diagnose the causes of problems. They are also called cause-effect diagrams, fish disease diagrams, fish slam diagrams, and Ishikawa diagrams.

Additionally, these diagrams are typically used in the troubleshooting process to understand what is likely to be causing the problem.

They help determine the possible causes of a problem by analyzing multiple aspects which will influence the situation.

The Ishikawa diagram is a variety of process evaluation developed by Japanese organizational theorists. Kaoru Ishikawa first described in 1965. It is mainly used to record problems and come up with possible causes.

Although the Ishikawa diagram template could seem complicated, it is easy to use.

What is an Ishikawa diagram?

Ishikawa diagrams are a tool that is helpful in the evaluation phase of a project. They are used to brainstorm and determine if root causes could be found and resolved.

A sample fishbone diagram may include categories equivalent to:

• Possible causes.
• Related causes.
• Influencing aspects.

Why use an Ishikawa diagram?

Helps users discover relationships between possible causes of problems related to product design or process functionality and other forms of problems.

This is the way it helps brainstorm and identifies areas where further research could also be needed.

Additionally, it may well help discover multiple potential sources of problems, not only one fundamental one.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most eminent reasons to use the Ishikawa diagram:

Brainstorm

Brainstorming is an idea generation method used primarily to generate creative ideas.

The Ishikawa diagram allows you to brainstorm ideas to discover causes of problems or improvements in an Ishikawa diagram.

Brainstorming for an Ishikawa diagram normally begins with pondering about the potential causes underlying the diagram.

Openly shows relationships

The Ishikawa diagram is an essential tool for any startup because it helps you visualize the problems you face and how to solve them.

However, the Ishikawa diagram is not only suitable for explaining what is incorrect with your product or service.

They may also be used to show connections between various things related to the same problem.

Provides stimulation for problem solving

Problem-solving with an Ishikawa diagram is a graphical tool that uses brainstorming to solve problems.

Many organizational theorists imagine that the Ishikawa diagram helps people think clearly about a problem by organizing their thoughts.

People often use them to solve problems related to quality management and continuous improvement.

Maintains concentration

When I first created Ishikawa diagrams, It could be easy to think of all the potential causes you may think of for your particular problem.

However, once you begin writing them down, the list can often seem quite overwhelming. It leaves room for too many possibilities, making it difficult to narrow it down to something achievable.

To stay focused when using Ishikawa diagrams, you may refer to techniques that can show you how to limit the variety of possible causes while still having enough ideas for your Ishikawa diagrams.

How to use an Ishikawa diagram?

People have been using Ishikawa diagrams in startups since 1965, when Ishikawa developed them.

What’s more, the tool is still used by businesses ranging from manufacturing plants to medical facilities.

Therefore, using Ishikawa diagrams:

• Decide what type of fish you wish to describe (what the fish needs to explain).
• Make a decision about bones (aspects that may affect the quality of the fish).
• Create branches from each bone and label them appropriately.

How to create an Ishikawa diagram?

First of all, you wish to know what you wish your diagram to be about. This could include who or what was involved in the process from start to finish.

They are constructed by first writing down the problem you are trying to solve in the center of the diagram. Then you come up with some possible causes for that problem.

Then you break each cause down into even smaller sub-causes, and so on, until you get to sub-causes sufficiently small that they resolve themselves.

The Ishikawa diagram consists of 5 fundamental parts:

• Title of the problem.
• Problem description/problem statement.
• List of causes (7 fundamental categories).
• List of sub-causes (8 secondary categories).
• List of effects/consequences (7 secondary categories).

Tips for creating an Ishikawa diagram

Here are some suggestions to consider when creating an Ishikawa diagram:

• Encourage everyone to participate in brainstorming.
• Use graphics to focus your team on causes.
• Use the “why” technique to determine the rationale behind each reason and you’ll have your answer.
• Always check cause categories rigorously.
• Try drawing a fishbone diagram on a dry erase board or flip chart.
• On the other hand, using tools like Edraw gives you the assurance that you just won’t make any mistakes.

As shown, using Ishikawa diagrams could be a critical tool for any startup to access and diagnose problems, find the root of the problem, help brainstorm latest solutions, and stay focused on the topic without losing control. Try using this method before solving problems in your startup.