Fishbone Instructions

  1. Turn your sheet of paper to a landscape position. Draw fish or use sample form that follows.
  2. Label the head of the fish. (Ex. Identify the problem.)
  3. Add as many ribs to the fish's spine as you need. Each rib is a major idea/concept. Use Brainstorming or Structured Brainstorming techniques (Round Robin, Small Groups, etc.) to gather input.
  4. Add as many smaller fish bones to this skeleton, as needed. Only single words or phrases are needed to express your ideas. Each detail or related detail is written on one fishbone.
  5. Use different colour for a major idea or concept and all its details. Many people find that colour is a great way to remember related ideas.

Example

To analyze the reasons for a specific topic like a native wildflower community garden, draw the bones of the fishbone diagram. On the right side write the topic, "Wildflower Garden". Next, divide the major bones of the diagram to show different kinds of reasons for doing the project: improve reading and research skills; create something pleasing for the community; gain awareness of environment; improve team skills; and learn about medicinal uses of native plants. Participants brainstorm activities that would be involved in each of these reasons. Record these activities under the appropriate category. When finished, you will have a number of reasons and activities to start your project. Take one section and work on it by setting goals and an action plan.