What is a Fishbone Diagram in Claude Code?

It is a specialized skill that allows Claude to help you perform root cause analysis by visually mapping all potential causes of a problem (the 'fish head') across structured categories (the 'bones').

What categories does this skill use to organize causes?

It supports various frameworks including the 6 M's (Manufacturing), 4 P's (Service/IT), and 4 S's (General), covering everything from Manpower and Machines to Policies and Surroundings.

Can this skill help with software bugs?

Yes, it is excellent for identifying systemic issues behind software defects, such as environment mismatches, lack of documentation, or gaps in testing procedures.

When should I use Fishbone analysis over the 5 Whys?

Use a Fishbone Diagram for complex problems with multiple contributing factors across different domains. Use 5 Whys for simpler, linear problems where one cause leads directly to the next.

Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)

Name: Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)
Author: lev-os

bylev-os

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Collaboration Tools

Systematically identifies root causes of complex problems by visually mapping factors across structured categories like the 6 M's or 4 P's.

The Fishbone Diagram skill provides a structured framework for Claude to guide users through comprehensive root cause analysis. By organizing potential causes into major categories—such as Manpower, Machine, and Method—this skill prevents tunnel vision and helps teams visualize the complex relationships between multiple contributing factors. It is particularly effective for troubleshooting quality defects, process bottlenecks, or complex technical failures where simple linear analysis may fall short, offering a systematic path from problem definition to actionable interventions.

Key Features

010 GitHub stars

02Step-by-step guidance from problem definition to root cause validation

03Structured categorization using industry standards (6 M's, 4 P's, 4 S's)

04Deep-drill 'Why?' analysis for nested sub-causes

05Action plan development based on validated high-impact causes

06Pattern recognition to identify systemic issues across multiple categories

Use Cases

01Investigating process inefficiencies and bottlenecks within cross-functional team workflows

02Analyzing quality defects in manufacturing or software development lifecycles

03Troubleshooting recurring technical incidents like server downtime or performance degradation

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add lev-os/agents fishbone-diagram

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill