---
title: "How to do it{#how-to-affinity-mapping}"
source: 18F Guides
source_url: https://github.com/18F/guides
licence: CC0-1.0
domain: engineering
subdomain: 18f-guides
date_added: 2026-04-25
---

## How to do it{#how-to-affinity-mapping}

1. Record ideas, quotes, or observations from [interviews]({{ "/methods/discover/stakeholder-and-user-interviews/" | url }}), [contextual inquiry]({{ "/methods/discover/contextual-inquiry/" | url }}), or other sources of research on sticky notes.
1. Place the sticky notes on a white board (in no particular arrangement). Move the sticky notes into related groups.
1. Use larger notes (or white board markers, if you're using a white board), to write titles or catch phrases for each group.

<section class="method--section method--section--government-considerations" markdown="1" >

## Considerations for use in government{#consideration-affinity-mapping}

No PRA implications. This method may use data gathered from members of the public, but does not require their involvement.
</section>
