Tool 132: Pictograph

AKA

Pictogram

Classification

Planning/Presenting (PP)

Tool description

A pictograph is a visual representation of recorded data. A picture, diagram or symbol is used to indicate a specific quantity of the product or item being recorded on the graph for easy interpretation.

Typical application

• To plot collected data using pictures or symbols for visual impact.

• To show quantities of items in a report or other publication.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
	Project management
1	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
2	Administration/documentation
3	Servicing/support
4	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Data Collection Strategy

• Checksheet

• Observation

• Frequency Distribution (FD)

• Variance Analysis

after

• Pareto Chart

• Problem Specification

• Quality Chart

• Potential Problem Analysis (PPA)

• Countermeasures Matrix

Notes and key points

• When drawing a pictograph, care must be taken not to distort the relationships between scales and quantities.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team collects and summarizes the data to be plotted.

• STEP 2 The team constructs a pictograph and scales it on the basis of data totals. See example TQM Teams—Total Meeting Hours.

• STEP 3 The team plots the data using a picture symbol to visually represent the quantity of items.

• STEP 4 The team checks the totals and dates the graph.

Example of tool application