A fishbone diagram, sometimes referred to as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a quality tool that helps users identify the many possible causes for a problem by sorting ideas into useful categories. 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. Uncover hidden causes behind problems with the Fishbone Diagram. Learn how to brainstorm, analyze, and prioritize causes for effective solutions in any process. Learn what is a fishbone diagram, when to use it, how to construct it, and see examples and templates. A fishbone diagram is a visual tool for identifying the root causes of a problem and finding solutions.