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Rose Bud Thorn template: free online board

Rose Bud Thorn comes from design thinking: a rose is something working well, a bud is something with potential, and a thorn is something causing pain. The Bud column is what sets it apart, because it makes the team name ideas worth growing.

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When to use it

• Reviewing a product, a prototype or a workshop
• When you want ideas as well as problems
• A warm, low-pressure retro

What goes in each column

Rose

What is going well right now?

Bud

What is small today but could become something good?

Thorn

What is hurting or getting in the way?

How to run it

1. Set the scene. Remind everyone of the goal and agree that this is about the work, not about blame.
2. Write in silence. Everyone adds cards on their own, so quieter people are heard.
3. Group and vote. Merge similar cards, then vote on what matters most.
4. Discuss. Start with the most-voted cards and work down.
5. Agree on actions. Finish with a small number of actions, each with an owner and a date.

Watch out for

Buds often get skipped in favour of thorns. Discuss them first, while the team still has energy.

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Warm up first with a free team game.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Rose Bud Thorn template free?

Yes. You can run it on RetroLift for free, with no account and no ads. Your team joins from one link or QR code.

How long does a Rose Bud Thorn retrospective take?

Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a team of up to about ten people. Smaller teams can finish sooner.

Can a remote team use Rose Bud Thorn?

Yes. Everyone writes cards from their own laptop or phone, votes, and agrees on action items on the same live board.

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