Affinity diagram

Tonight we created an Affinity Diagram to explore words and phrases that relate to the broad design opportunitites that we identified in our research and explorations. We often use an Affinity Diagram at the beginning of a project, but recognize that the method is useful to identify relationships and narrow focus at other points in the design process when clarity is needed.

We divided the words and phrases into categories, and will use them to generate design concepts.


The diagram:

Form Characteristics

geometric
spiral
soft/maleable
tactile - fur
tigress
fluffy, flowery
moving, rotating parts
sticky
stretchable
translucent
form resembles high cheekbones
butt
outer = input, inner = output, and is portable part
snap in and out
modular pieces - give away/trade with others
light up area looks like jewelry stones
parted lips/lipstick/teeth
red
water - flowing, falling, dripping
orb
representative of female body - bent ankle, waist curve, etc
round
like long, curly hair
tapered
gestalt


Input Categories

eating habits - vegetarian
similar jobs
personal style
astrological sign
music
athletics
taste in food
ethnicity
drinking, partying
places traveled - local and worldwide
hobby
geographic location
friends


Responses

rhythm of the heart
tingling sensation
response
warmth
tighten
colors
sound
captures moment of interaction
sliding open
cold
texture change
light
transparent area transforms to display output
vibration


Input Device Categories

online meeting/dating services
email
cell phone


Qualities

sentimental
proximity
time
lasting impression
heft = expense
poetry


Physical Attributes

chain link
necklace
attach to shoe
attach to clothes
liquid attachment points
magnet
clasp
wrapping
hanging
tree branch form or interaction
woven in hair
interlocking
interchangeable

The object should reflect the inner/outer conflict of these women:
smooth perfect exterior
interior captures relationships