MENTAL MODEL · M3618

Fishbone Diagram

Observe & DiagnoseHigh supportManagement

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Also known as cause-and-effect diagram or Ishikawa diagram. Write the problem (result) at the 'fish head', and write possible causes by category on the 'fish bones', forming a fishbone-shaped diagram.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Causal visualization. It systematically organizes 'possible causes' to prevent omissions. During team brainstorming, it ensures comprehensive thinking from multiple dimensions such as man, machine, material, method, and environment.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The fishbone diagram (Ishikawa diagram) structurally expands the problem (fish head) and potential causes (fishbone branches, such as man, machine, material, method, environment) for systematic root cause analysis, avoiding focusing only on a single superficial cause.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Clearly define the problem and write it at the fish head
list possible cause branches by category (4M/6M)
dig deeper into sub-causes for each branch
use data/voting to filter main causes
focus on root causes that can be intervened.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E5%9B%BEZH · Explicit
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