Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram Types

There are many ways to use the Ishikawa diagram. You can analyze root causes using the classic format, step-by-step format, or a custom format. An Ishikawa or fishbone diagram always contains:

The head of the fish (problem statement)
One or more major "bones" or causes
A series of smaller "bones" coming off the main bones to show the "Five Whys" used to identify the cause-effects.

Classic Fishbone Diagram

People, process, machines, materials, and measurement are the major causes.

Classic Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram

Process Ishikawa Diagram

Each step of the process is a major cause.

Step=by-Step Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram

Custom Ishikawa Diagram

Use the generic categories but adapt them to your process: service representative, service order, software systems, reference manuals, and access.

Custom Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram