Nyaka (defect analysis) Intention (Why and when do I use it?)
The Nyaka tool is a pragmatic and structured technique to identify defects and to creatively find remedies while working in a group. The term comes from the French ‘il n’y a qu’à’ = ‘all you have to do’.
Purpose (What does it do?)
The Nyaka tool produces creative ideas and builds on a group’s natural critical ability to improve. The Nyaka tool helps to focus on defects or problem areas and creatively finds pragmatic solutions for each individual defect.
Instruction (How do I do it?)
• Select a group leader and describe the problem. Draw a vertical line in the middle of a flip chart. Label the left side ‘what is wrong (defects)’ and the right side ‘remedy (Nyaka)’
• Ask the group to list as many things as possible that are ‘wrong’ with the product or service or situation. Note each defect in a brief sentence in the left defect column.
• Then invite the group to brainstorm a remedy (pragmatic solution) for each of the listed defects with the intention of eradicating as many defects as pos- sible and improving the overall product/service or situation.
• Mark each remedy against the relevant defect and then agree on a new, im- proved complete product/service solution, process, etc.
• The example in table 14 lists ‘what’s wrongs’ and ‘remedies’ for a manual paper hole-punch. Notice that the way to the solution may still be far, even if you have found a remedy for each defect.
Cross-reference to related tools in this book
Use the Fishbone or cause-effect tool chapter 3.1.9 to check that the suggested remedies (Nyakas) are not just dealing with symptoms.
Source: Townsend
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3 Diagnosis
Table 14 Nyaka table for a paper hole-punch challenge

What’s wrong? (Defects)
Remedy? (Nyaka)
Can’t make holes in many pages at a time. Often leaves oily marks on paper.
Can only use it for punching holes.
Needs a lot of physical effort to obtain results.
Takes up too much space on the desk. You can never find it when you need it.