What is a fishbone diagram used for?

A fishbone diagram, also referred to as an Ishikawa diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, serves to identify potential factors that contribute to an overall effect. Frequently employed in project management and quality assurance, this visual tool aids in brainstorming and categorising possible causes of issues, simplifying the process of identifying root causes and developing corrective measures. By visually representing various potential sources of problems, teams are able to systematically tackle each contributor to enhance processes and improve results, fostering effective problem-solving and strategic planning.