Ishikawa diagrams, also called fishbone diagrams, are causal diagrams that show the potential causes of a specific event. They are used for product design and quality defect prevention, and are based on the 5 Ms, 8 Ps, 4 or 5 Ss, or other categories of possible causes. The Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause and Effect Diagram, is a visual tool used for root cause analysis. It helps teams systematically identify potential causes of a problem, categorising them to pinpoint the root causes. Developed by Kaoru Ishikawa in the 1960s, it was initially used to control quality in manufacturing processes. The diagram resembles a fish's skeleton, with the problem or effect at the head and potential causes extending as "bones" along the ... Uncover hidden causes behind problems with the Fishbone Diagram. Learn how to brainstorm, analyze, and prioritize causes for effective solutions in any process. What is a Fishbone Diagram A fishbone diagram is a powerful problem-solving tool used in healthcare, engineering, and many other industries. Find out how you can use Lucidchart, Visio, and Excel to construct a fishbone diagram. Check out Lucidchart's free fishbone diagram examples and templates.