Download Resources for Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data Using Affinity Diagrams

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1. Affinity Analysis Template

# 🧩 Affinity Analysis Template
**Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data Using Affinity Diagrams**  
*Transform stakeholder insights into actionable intelligence*

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## 📋 PRE-ANALYSIS SETUP

### Project Information
**Project Name:** ________________________________  
**Analysis Date:** ________________________________  
**Team Members:** ________________________________  
**Stakeholder Conversations Analyzed:** ___________  

### Materials Checklist
- [ ] All stakeholder conversation notes from Lesson 1.2
- [ ] Original Problem Tree from Lesson 1.1 for reference
- [ ] Sticky notes (physical) or digital collaboration board access
- [ ] Timer for managing process phases
- [ ] Documentation tools (camera for physical boards, export tools for digital)

---

## PHASE 1: CAPTURE (45-60 minutes)
*Extract every important insight onto individual cards*

### Insight Extraction Log
*Use one entry per insight - aim for 30-80 total insights*

#### Conversation 1: ______________________ (Date: _______)
**Participant(s):** ________________________________

| Insight # | Insight Content | Context/Question | Type | Relevance |
|-----------|----------------|------------------|------|-----------|
| 1.1 | "[Quote or paraphrased insight]" | What prompted this | Quote/Observation/Recommendation | Problem Tree element this relates to |
| 1.2 | | | | |
| 1.3 | | | | |

#### Conversation 2: ______________________ (Date: _______)
**Participant(s):** ________________________________

| Insight # | Insight Content | Context/Question | Type | Relevance |
|-----------|----------------|------------------|------|-----------|
| 2.1 | "[Quote or paraphrased insight]" | What prompted this | Quote/Observation/Recommendation | Problem Tree element this relates to |
| 2.2 | | | | |
| 2.3 | | | | |

*[Continue for all conversations...]*

### Capture Quality Check
- [ ] Each insight is discrete and specific (not combining multiple points)
- [ ] Stakeholder language is preserved where possible
- [ ] Source attribution is clear for all insights
- [ ] Both supportive and challenging insights are included
- [ ] Insights are actionable, not vague generalizations

**Total Insights Captured:** _______

---

## PHASE 2: CLUSTER (30-45 minutes)
*Group cards that seem naturally related*

### Clustering Process Notes

#### Initial Clustering (First Pass)
**Method Used:** □ Physical wall □ Digital board  
**Start Time:** _______ **End Time:** _______

| Cluster Label | Number of Insights | Brief Description |
|---------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Cluster A | ___ insights | What seems to connect them |
| Cluster B | ___ insights | |
| Cluster C | ___ insights | |
| Cluster D | ___ insights | |
| Cluster E | ___ insights | |
| Outliers | ___ insights | Insights that don't cluster |

#### Cluster Refinement (Second Pass)
**Adjustments Made:**
- Split Cluster ___ into ______ because ________________________________
- Merged Clusters ___ and ___ because ________________________________  
- Moved insights ___ from Cluster ___ to Cluster ___ because _______________
- Outliers reconsidered: ___________________________________________

### Final Cluster Summary
**Total Clusters:** _______  
**Cluster Size Range:** _____ to _____ insights  
**Remaining Outliers:** _______

---

## PHASE 3: THEME (30-40 minutes)
*Identify common threads and create theme headers*

### Theme Development Worksheet

#### Theme 1: ________________________________
**Cluster Size:** _____ insights  
**Key Contributors:** Which stakeholder groups emphasized this theme most  

**Theme Description:** (2-3 sentences capturing the essence)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**Representative Quotes:**
1. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
2. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
3. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

**Surprise Level:** □ High □ Medium □ Low  
**Why/Why not:** _______________________________________________

#### Theme 2: ________________________________
**Cluster Size:** _____ insights  
**Key Contributors:** Which stakeholder groups emphasized this theme most  

**Theme Description:** (2-3 sentences capturing the essence)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**Representative Quotes:**
1. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
2. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
3. "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

**Surprise Level:** □ High □ Medium □ Low  
**Why/Why not:** _______________________________________________

*[Continue for all themes...]*

### Theme Quality Assessment
For each theme, check:
- [ ] Theme represents all insights in the cluster accurately
- [ ] Theme is specific enough to suggest interventions
- [ ] Theme is supported by multiple stakeholder perspectives  
- [ ] Theme is clearly differentiated from other themes
- [ ] Theme reflects stakeholder language and priorities

---

## PHASE 4: SYNTHESIZE (20-30 minutes)
*Analyze patterns across themes for strategic insights*

### Cross-Theme Analysis

#### Priority Themes (by frequency/emphasis)
1. **________________________** - Why prioritized: ________________
2. **________________________** - Why prioritized: ________________  
3. **________________________** - Why prioritized: ________________

#### Surprising Themes
**Theme:** ________________________________  
**Why Surprising:** What assumptions did this challenge: ________________
_________________________________________________________________

**Theme:** ________________________________  
**Why Surprising:** What assumptions did this challenge: ________________
_________________________________________________________________

#### Theme Relationships
**Reinforcing Relationships:**
- ______________ reinforces ______________ because: ___________________
- ______________ reinforces ______________ because: ___________________

**Contradictory Relationships:**  
- ______________ contradicts ______________ suggesting: ________________
- ______________ contradicts ______________ suggesting: ________________

### Strategic Synthesis Insights

#### What We Learned That We Didn't Expect:
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

#### What Assumptions Were Strongly Validated:
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

#### What Assumptions Were Challenged or Refined:
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

#### New Questions That Emerged:
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

---

## INTEGRATION PREPARATION

### Problem Tree Mapping
*For each theme, identify how it relates to your Problem Tree*

| Theme Name | Problem Tree Integration | Action Required |
|------------|-------------------------|-----------------|
| | □ Validates existing element: ________ <br>□ Challenges existing element: _______ <br>□ Adds new element: ________ | □ Convert (A) to (E) <br>□ Refine element <br>□ Add new element |
| | □ Validates existing element: ________ <br>□ Challenges existing element: _______ <br>□ Adds new element: ________ | □ Convert (A) to (E) <br>□ Refine element <br>□ Add new element |

### Key Implementation Insights
**What themes suggest specific intervention opportunities:**
_________________________________________________________________

**What themes highlight barriers or risks not previously considered:**
_________________________________________________________________

**What themes reveal existing assets or strengths to build on:**
_________________________________________________________________

---

## QUALITY ASSURANCE CHECKLIST

### Process Quality
- [ ] All major stakeholder conversations were included in analysis
- [ ] Insights represent stakeholder voice, not analyst interpretation  
- [ ] Both confirmatory and challenging insights were included
- [ ] Clustering emerged from data rather than forced categories
- [ ] Themes are grounded in multiple stakeholder perspectives

### Output Quality  
- [ ] Themes provide strategic insight beyond obvious observations
- [ ] Themes suggest actionable intervention opportunities
- [ ] Some themes surprised you or challenged original assumptions
- [ ] Theme relationships reveal important connections or tensions
- [ ] Integration implications for Problem Tree are clear

### Documentation Quality
- [ ] Clear traceability from insights through themes to integration
- [ ] Representative quotes preserved to support each theme
- [ ] Source attribution maintained for accountability
- [ ] Process decisions documented for transparency
- [ ] Results ready for Problem Tree integration and team sharing

---

## NEXT STEPS

### Immediate Actions
- [ ] Complete Problem Tree Integration Worksheet
- [ ] Share synthesis results with team/stakeholders for validation
- [ ] Update Problem Tree based on community insights
- [ ] Document lessons learned for future affinity analysis

### Follow-Up Considerations
- [ ] Are there themes that need additional stakeholder validation?
- [ ] Do any themes suggest need for additional stakeholder conversations?
- [ ] How will ongoing stakeholder feedback be incorporated?
- [ ] What themes will inform Theory of Change development in Lesson 1.4?

---

**Analysis Completed By:** ________________________________  
**Date:** ________________________________  
**Next Review Date:** ________________________________

*This template is part of the "Setup Your Project for Success" series by Festa Design Studio*

2. Problem Tree Integration Worksheet

# 🌳 Problem Tree Integration Worksheet
**Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data Using Affinity Diagrams**  
*Integrate community insights into your Problem Tree*

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## 📋 INTEGRATION OVERVIEW

### Project Information
**Project Name:** ________________________________  
**Integration Date:** ________________________________  
**Analyst(s):** ________________________________  
**Affinity Themes Being Integrated:** ____________  

### Materials Required
- [ ] Completed Affinity Analysis from Phase 4
- [ ] Original Problem Tree from Lesson 1.1
- [ ] All source documentation (stakeholder notes, citations)
- [ ] Problem Tree template (digital or physical)

---

## STEP 1: THEME-BY-THEME INTEGRATION

### Theme 1: ________________________________
**Number of insights:** _____ **Key stakeholder groups:** ________________

#### A. Problem Tree Validation
**Validates existing elements:**
- **Element:** ________________________________ (Previously marked: E/A)
- **How theme validates:** ________________________________
- **Action:** Convert (A) to (E) / Strengthen evidence for (E)

**Challenges existing elements:**  
- **Element:** ________________________________ (Previously marked: E/A)
- **How theme challenges:** ________________________________
- **Action:** □ Refine element □ Remove element □ Split into multiple elements

#### B. New Element Addition
**Suggests new root cause:**
- **New cause:** ________________________________
- **Evidence level:** Strong (E) / Moderate (A)
- **Supporting quotes:**
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

**Suggests new effect:**
- **New effect:** ________________________________  
- **Evidence level:** Strong (E) / Moderate (A)
- **Supporting quotes:**
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

#### C. Problem Statement Refinement
**Does this theme suggest changes to core problem statement?**
□ Yes □ No

**If yes, suggested refinement:**
_________________________________________________________________

**Rationale:** ________________________________________________

---

### Theme 2: ________________________________
**Number of insights:** _____ **Key stakeholder groups:** ________________

#### A. Problem Tree Validation
**Validates existing elements:**
- **Element:** ________________________________ (Previously marked: E/A)
- **How theme validates:** ________________________________
- **Action:** Convert (A) to (E) / Strengthen evidence for (E)

**Challenges existing elements:**  
- **Element:** ________________________________ (Previously marked: E/A)
- **How theme challenges:** ________________________________
- **Action:** □ Refine element □ Remove element □ Split into multiple elements

#### B. New Element Addition
**Suggests new root cause:**
- **New cause:** ________________________________
- **Evidence level:** Strong (E) / Moderate (A)
- **Supporting quotes:**
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

**Suggests new effect:**
- **New effect:** ________________________________  
- **Evidence level:** Strong (E) / Moderate (A)
- **Supporting quotes:**
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
  - "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

#### C. Problem Statement Refinement
**Does this theme suggest changes to core problem statement?**
□ Yes □ No

**If yes, suggested refinement:**
_________________________________________________________________

**Rationale:** ________________________________________________

---

*[Continue for all themes...]*

---

## STEP 2: COMPREHENSIVE PROBLEM TREE UPDATE

### Updated Core Problem Statement
**Original:** ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**Refined:** _________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________

**Key changes made:** _______________________________________
**Rationale:** ____________________________________________

### Updated Effects/Consequences
*List all effects with evidence level and source themes*

| Effect | Evidence Level | Source Theme(s) | Changes Made |
|--------|---------------|----------------|--------------|
| | (E)/(A) | Theme names that support this | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |

### Updated Root Causes
*List all root causes with evidence level and source themes*

#### Direct Causes (Level 1)
| Root Cause | Evidence Level | Source Theme(s) | Changes Made |
|------------|---------------|----------------|--------------|
| | (E)/(A) | Theme names that support this | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |

#### Underlying Causes (Level 2)  
| Root Cause | Evidence Level | Source Theme(s) | Changes Made |
|------------|---------------|----------------|--------------|
| | (E)/(A) | Theme names that support this | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |

#### Structural Causes (Level 3)
| Root Cause | Evidence Level | Source Theme(s) | Changes Made |
|------------|---------------|----------------|--------------|
| | (E)/(A) | Theme names that support this | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |
| | (E)/(A) | | □ New □ Refined □ Validated |

---

## STEP 3: INTEGRATION IMPACT ASSESSMENT

### Evidence Base Strengthening
**Assumptions converted from (A) to (E):** _______
**Elements with significantly stronger evidence:** _______
**New evidence-based elements added:** _______

### Community Grounding Enhancement  
**How integration reflects community priorities:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**How integration preserves stakeholder voice:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

### Problem Understanding Evolution
**Most significant insights that changed your understanding:**
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

**Problem dimensions that became clearer:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**New intervention opportunities revealed:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

---

## STEP 4: DOCUMENTATION & TRACEABILITY

### Evidence Documentation
*For each major Problem Tree element, document supporting evidence*

#### Core Problem
**Supporting themes:** ________________________________
**Key quotes:**
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

#### Major Effect 1: ________________________________
**Supporting themes:** ________________________________  
**Key quotes:**
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

#### Major Root Cause 1: ________________________________
**Supporting themes:** ________________________________
**Key quotes:**
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]  
- "_______________________________" - [Source: ____________]

*[Continue for all major elements...]*

### Integration Trail
**Date of original Problem Tree:** ________________
**Stakeholder conversations analyzed:** ________________
**Affinity themes integrated:** ________________
**Community validation completed:** □ Yes □ No □ Planned

---

## STEP 5: QUALITY ASSURANCE

### Integration Quality Checklist
- [ ] All major affinity themes are reflected in Problem Tree updates
- [ ] Community voice is preserved in element descriptions  
- [ ] Evidence levels (E/A) are accurately assigned
- [ ] Traceability from stakeholder insights to Problem Tree elements is clear
- [ ] Both confirmatory and challenging insights are integrated
- [ ] Problem Tree is significantly stronger than original version

### Stakeholder Validation Readiness
- [ ] Updated Problem Tree ready for stakeholder review
- [ ] Key changes can be explained with supporting evidence
- [ ] Community priorities are clearly reflected
- [ ] Questions for additional validation are identified

### Theory of Change Preparation
- [ ] Problem Tree provides clear intervention points
- [ ] Effects suggest compelling impact and outcome focus
- [ ] Root causes inform activity design opportunities  
- [ ] Evidence base supports credible change logic

---

## STEP 6: NEXT STEPS PLANNING

### Immediate Actions
- [ ] Finalize updated Problem Tree document
- [ ] Share with team for review and feedback
- [ ] Plan stakeholder validation session for key changes
- [ ] Prepare Problem Tree for Theory of Change development

### Ongoing Considerations
**Elements needing additional validation:**
_________________________________________________________________

**Stakeholders to follow up with:**
_________________________________________________________________

**Questions for future engagement:**
_________________________________________________________________

**How updated Problem Tree will inform Lesson 1.4 (Theory of Change):**
_________________________________________________________________

---

## INTEGRATION SUMMARY

### Key Achievements
- **Problem Tree elements validated:** _______
- **New elements added:** _______  
- **Assumptions converted to evidence:** _______
- **Community insights integrated:** _______

### Impact on Project Design
**How integration strengthens your project foundation:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

**Key insights that will inform solution design:**
_________________________________________________________________  
_________________________________________________________________

**Community grounding achievements:**
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

---

**Integration Completed By:** ________________________________  
**Date:** ________________________________  
**Validated By:** ________________________________  
**Next Review Date:** ________________________________

*This worksheet is part of the "Setup Your Project for Success" series by Festa Design Studio*

3. Digital Tool Setup Guide

# 💻 Digital Affinity Analysis Setup Guide
**Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data Using Affinity Diagrams**  
*Complete setup instructions for Miro, Mural, and FigJam*

---

## 🎯 TOOL COMPARISON & SELECTION

### Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Miro | Mural | FigJam |
|---------|------|-------|--------|
| **Free Plan** | 3 editable boards | 1 workspace, unlimited boards | 3 FigJam files |
| **Team Size (Free)** | Unlimited viewers, 3 editors | Up to 3 team members | Unlimited |
| **Templates** | Extensive library | Good selection | Basic templates |
| **Learning Curve** | Medium | Medium | Easy |
| **Best For** | Complex analysis, large datasets | Collaborative workshops | Simple, quick analysis |
| **Export Options** | PDF, PNG, CSV | PDF, PNG, CSV | PDF, PNG |

### Recommendation by Use Case
- **Solo analyst with large dataset:** Miro (robust tools, good organization)
- **Small team collaboration:** FigJam (easiest to learn and use)  
- **Workshop facilitation:** Mural (best collaborative features)
- **Budget-conscious:** FigJam (most generous free plan)

---

## 🎨 MIRO SETUP GUIDE

### Account Setup
1. **Create Account:** Go to miro.com → Sign up (free)
2. **Choose Template:** Select "Affinity Mapping" or start with blank board
3. **Board Settings:** 
   - Name: "Project Name - Affinity Analysis"
   - Privacy: Set appropriate sharing permissions

### Board Preparation
#### Step 1: Create Sections

Board Layout (Left to Right): ┌─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┐ │ CAPTURE │ CLUSTER │ THEME │ SYNTHESIZE │ │ PHASE 1 │ PHASE 2 │ PHASE 3 │ PHASE 4 │ └─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┘

**Creating Sections:**
1. Use Text tool (T) to add phase headers
2. Use Rectangle tool to create section boundaries
3. Use different background colors for each phase:
   - Phase 1 (Capture): Light yellow (#FFF9C4)
   - Phase 2 (Cluster): Light orange (#FFE0B2)  
   - Phase 3 (Theme): Light green (#C8E6C9)
   - Phase 4 (Synthesize): Light blue (#BBDEFB)

#### Step 2: Prepare Sticky Note Templates
1. **Select Sticky Note tool** (shortcut: S)
2. **Set up color coding:**
   - Yellow: Direct quotes
   - Green: Observations  
   - Orange: Recommendations
   - Pink: Questions/contradictions
3. **Create template sticky note:**
   - Size: Medium
   - Text: "[Insight content]" - [Source: Stakeholder ID]

#### Step 3: Add Reference Materials
1. **Upload documents:** Drag stakeholder notes to "References" section
2. **Create legend:** Color meanings, abbreviations, process steps
3. **Add timer widget:** For phase management

### Process Workflow in Miro

#### Phase 1: Capture (45-60 min)
1. **Create sticky notes** for each insight
2. **Use template format:** 

“[Exact quote or insight]” Source: [Stakeholder name/ID] Context: [Question/topic that prompted] Type: Quote/Obs/Rec

3. **Place all stickies** in Capture section
4. **Quality check:** Review for completeness and clarity

#### Phase 2: Cluster (30-45 min)  
1. **Move stickies** from Capture to Cluster section
2. **Drag similar insights together** - Miro will auto-group
3. **Use selection tool** to move multiple stickies at once
4. **Create loose circles** around related groups using Pen tool
5. **Label clusters** with temporary names

#### Phase 3: Theme (30-40 min)
1. **Move clustered groups** to Theme section
2. **Create theme headers** using Text tool
3. **Use connector lines** to show relationships between themes
4. **Add theme descriptions** in separate text boxes
5. **Document representative quotes** for each theme

#### Phase 4: Synthesize (20-30 min)
1. **Create synthesis canvas** in final section
2. **Use mind map format:**
   - Central node: "Key Insights"
   - Branches: Priority themes, surprises, relationships
3. **Add integration notes** for Problem Tree updates
4. **Create action items** list

### Miro Pro Tips
- **Use frames** to organize major sections
- **Leverage voting feature** for team prioritization
- **Use timer widget** to stay on track
- **Export PNG** for presentations, PDF for documentation
- **Keyboard shortcuts:**
  - S: Sticky note
  - T: Text
  - C: Comment
  - Ctrl+A: Select all
  - Ctrl+G: Group selection

---

## 🎭 MURAL SETUP GUIDE

### Account Setup  
1. **Create Account:** Go to mural.co → Start free trial
2. **Create Workspace:** Name it after your organization
3. **Start New Mural:** Choose "Affinity Clustering" template

### Board Preparation
#### Step 1: Set Up Template
1. **Use pre-built template** or customize blank mural
2. **Create swim lanes** for each phase:

╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ PHASE 1: CAPTURE - Individual insights ║ ╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ PHASE 2: CLUSTER - Natural groupings ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ PHASE 3: THEME - Pattern identification ║ ╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ PHASE 4: SYNTHESIZE - Strategic insights ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

#### Step 2: Prepare Elements
1. **Add sticky note palettes** with different colors
2. **Create instruction panels** for each phase
3. **Set up parking lot** for questions and ideas
4. **Add timer** for phase management

### Process Workflow in Mural

#### Phase 1: Capture
1. **Double-click** to add sticky notes quickly
2. **Use consistent format:**

Insight content here [Source: ID] [Type: Q/O/R]

3. **Fill capture area** systematically
4. **Use different colors** for different insight types

#### Phase 2: Cluster
1. **Drag and drop** stickies into natural groups
2. **Use clustering circles** from shapes menu
3. **Name clusters** with larger text elements
4. **Keep outliers** in separate area

#### Phase 3: Theme  
1. **Convert clusters** to themed sections
2. **Add theme titles** using heading text
3. **Create theme summary boxes** with key points
4. **Link related themes** with connector arrows

#### Phase 4: Synthesize
1. **Use synthesis frameworks:**
   - Priority matrix (High/Medium/Low importance vs. surprise)
   - Relationship map showing theme connections
   - Action planning board
2. **Add voting dots** for team prioritization
3. **Create next steps** section

### Mural Pro Tips
- **Use outline view** to navigate large murals
- **Leverage facilitation superpowers** for team sessions
- **Private mode** for individual brainstorming
- **Presentation mode** for sharing results
- **Integration with video calls** for remote collaboration

---

## 🎨 FIGJAM SETUP GUIDE

### Account Setup
1. **Create Account:** Go to figma.com → Sign up for free
2. **Access FigJam:** Click FigJam in top navigation  
3. **Create New File:** "New FigJam file"

### Board Preparation
#### Step 1: Simple Layout
1. **Create sections** using Section tool (Shift+S):
   - Capture (Yellow background)
   - Cluster (Orange background)
   - Theme (Green background)  
   - Synthesize (Blue background)

2. **Add section titles** using Text tool (T)
3. **Create sticky note template:**

Use Sticky Note tool (S) Format: [Insight] - [Source] Colors: Yellow (quotes), Green (observations), Orange (recommendations), Pink (questions)

### Process Workflow in FigJam

#### Phase 1: Capture
1. **Use Sticky Note tool** (shortcut: S)
2. **Type insights directly** - FigJam auto-sizes
3. **Apply color coding** consistently
4. **Organize in rows** within Capture section

#### Phase 2: Cluster
1. **Select and drag** multiple stickies (click + drag to select group)
2. **Create loose groupings** by proximity
3. **Use pen tool** to draw circles around clusters
4. **Add cluster labels** using text tool

#### Phase 3: Theme
1. **Create theme sections** using Section tool
2. **Name each section** with theme title
3. **Move clustered stickies** into appropriate theme sections
4. **Add theme description** using text boxes

#### Phase 4: Synthesize
1. **Create synthesis board** using connector and text tools
2. **Map relationships** between themes using arrows
3. **Add priority ranking** using numbered lists
4. **Create action items** with checkboxes

### FigJam Pro Tips
- **Use cursor chat** for real-time team communication
- **Stamp tool** for quick feedback (👍👎❓)
- **Audio conversations** built-in for remote teams
- **Version history** to track changes
- **Export options:** PNG for images, PDF for documents
- **Keyboard shortcuts:**
  - S: Sticky note
  - T: Text  
  - Shift+S: Section
  - C: Connector
  - P: Pen

---

## 🛠️ TECHNICAL SETUP CHECKLIST

### Before Starting Analysis
#### Hardware/Software Requirements
- [ ] **Stable internet connection** (especially for real-time collaboration)
- [ ] **Computer/tablet** with keyboard for efficient typing
- [ ] **Large monitor** recommended for complex analysis
- [ ] **Backup device** access in case of technical issues

#### Account Preparation
- [ ] **Account created** and email verified
- [ ] **Team members invited** with appropriate permissions
- [ ] **Template board** set up and tested
- [ ] **Export settings** configured
- [ ] **Backup plan** if primary tool fails

#### Data Preparation  
- [ ] **Stakeholder notes** accessible and organized
- [ ] **Digital copies** of all conversation documentation
- [ ] **Source tracking system** ready (stakeholder IDs, dates)
- [ ] **Color coding scheme** decided for insight types

### During Analysis
#### Process Management
- [ ] **Timer set** for each phase
- [ ] **Regular saves** or auto-save enabled
- [ ] **Screenshots** taken at key milestones
- [ ] **Notes** kept on process decisions and insights

#### Quality Control
- [ ] **Source attribution** maintained for all insights
- [ ] **Insight clarity** checked before moving to next phase
- [ ] **Team alignment** on cluster boundaries and theme definitions
- [ ] **Documentation** of key decisions and rationale

### After Analysis
#### Documentation & Export
- [ ] **Final board** exported in multiple formats (PNG, PDF)
- [ ] **Process notes** documented for future reference
- [ ] **Key insights** extracted to summary document
- [ ] **Integration plan** prepared for Problem Tree updates

#### Follow-Up Actions
- [ ] **Results shared** with team and stakeholders as appropriate
- [ ] **Board access** permissions updated for ongoing reference
- [ ] **Lessons learned** documented for future affinity analyses
- [ ] **Next steps** planned for Problem Tree integration

---

## 🚨 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

### Common Technical Issues

#### Performance Problems
**Issue:** Board is slow or laggy
**Solutions:**
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- Use Chrome or Firefox (best performance)
- Reduce board complexity by working in sections
- Check internet connection speed

**Issue:** Can't see team member cursors
**Solutions:**  
- Refresh browser
- Check sharing permissions
- Ensure all team members have editor access
- Try different browser

#### Data Management Issues
**Issue:** Lost work/accidental deletions
**Solutions:**
- Use version history to restore (Ctrl+Alt+H in most tools)
- Check trash/deleted items folder
- Contact tool support for recovery options
- Implement regular manual backups

**Issue:** Export not working
**Solutions:**
- Try different file format (PNG vs PDF)
- Reduce board size/complexity for export
- Use screenshot tool as backup
- Check browser permissions for downloads

### Process Troubleshooting

#### Too Many Insights (80+)
**Solutions:**
- Work in batches (analyze by stakeholder group)
- Focus on most significant insights first
- Use sampling approach for very large datasets
- Consider multiple analysis sessions

#### Can't Identify Clear Themes
**Solutions:**
- Try different clustering approaches
- Step back and look for meta-patterns
- Involve team member for fresh perspective
- Consider that some themes may be weak - that's valid data

#### Team Disagreement on Clustering
**Solutions:**
- Document different perspectives rather than forcing consensus
- Use voting features for team input
- Try individual clustering first, then compare
- Focus on strongest patterns where agreement exists

---

## 📱 MOBILE CONSIDERATIONS

### Mobile Access Capabilities
| Tool | Mobile App | Mobile Browser | Touch Optimization |
|------|------------|----------------|-------------------|
| **Miro** | Yes (iOS/Android) | Limited functionality | Good |
| **Mural** | Yes (iOS/Android) | Limited functionality | Good |  
| **FigJam** | Yes (iOS/Android) | Good functionality | Excellent |

### Best Practices for Mobile Use
- **Use for review only** - main analysis should be desktop
- **Touch gestures** - pinch to zoom, two-finger pan
- **Voice notes** instead of typing for quick captures
- **Photo capture** of physical sticky note sessions for later digitization

---

## 💡 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

### For Large Datasets (50+ stakeholders)
1. **Pre-clustering by stakeholder type** before main analysis
2. **Use tags and filters** to manage complexity
3. **Work in analysis sprints** (2-3 hour focused sessions)
4. **Create sub-boards** for detailed theme development

### For Cross-Cultural Analysis
1. **Preserve original language** insights when possible
2. **Use cultural context markers** in documentation
3. **Include cultural interpreters** in analysis process
4. **Note cultural patterns** as separate theme category

### For Ongoing Projects
1. **Create template boards** for repeated use
2. **Build insight libraries** that accumulate over time
3. **Version control** for evolving analysis
4. **Integration systems** with project management tools

---

**Setup Guide Created:** ________________________________  
**Tool Selected:** ________________________________  
**Team Training Completed:** □ Yes □ No  
**Ready for Analysis:** □ Yes □ No

*This guide is part of the "Setup Your Project for Success" series by Festa Design Studio*

These comprehensive download resources provide everything needed for successful affinity analysis:

1. Affinity Analysis Template - Complete step-by-step worksheet for the entire 4-phase process
2. Problem Tree Integration Worksheet - Systematic method for incorporating insights into the Problem Tree
3. Digital Tool Setup Guide - Detailed instructions for Miro, Mural, and FigJam with troubleshooting

Each resource maintains consistency with the lesson content while providing practical, actionable tools that learners can immediately implement. The templates include quality assurance checkpoints and clear documentation systems to ensure professional-quality outcomes.