What is the purpose of using the Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagram?

The Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram is primarily designed to list all possible causes of a problem. This structured visual tool helps individuals and teams systematically identify, categorize, and analyze the various factors that contribute to an issue. By breaking down the potential causes into specific categories (such as people, processes, materials, and environment), the diagram allows for a thorough exploration of the problem's root causes. This method encourages collaborative thinking and can lead to more effective problem-solving by ensuring that all possible influences are considered.

While generating creative ideas (the first option) can be part of the brainstorming process that uses this diagram, the primary focus of the Fishbone Diagram is on understanding the relationships between causes. Analyzing past solutions (the third option) is a different approach that does not directly relate to the use of the diagram, as it is meant for diagnosing current issues rather than reflecting on previous actions. Building consensus (the fourth option) may occur during discussions involving the diagram, but it is not the primary purpose of this tool. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the essential use of the Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagram in problem-solving processes.