How to use the retro format picker
- Choose how much time you have, or leave it on Any.
- Press Pick a retro format. Formats don’t repeat until you’ve seen them all.
- Use the sticky-note columns on your board or whiteboard tool, follow the steps, and press Copy as text to share the plan in chat.
Why change your retro format?
Running the same three columns every sprint gets stale. People start writing the same notes, and the retro turns into a ritual instead of a conversation. A new format asks the questions from a different angle, which surfaces things the usual format misses, and a little novelty makes people more willing to join in.
Keep these the same, whatever the format
- Open with a quick check-in. A question from the icebreaker generator gets everyone talking early.
- Review last retro’s action items before adding new ones.
- Leave with two or three actions, each with an owner. A long list of good intentions rarely gets done.
- Rotate the facilitator. Spin the wheel at the end to choose who runs the next one.
Picking by the clock
Quick formats like Plus / Delta and Rose, Thorn, Bud fit in 15 to 30 minutes and work well when the sprint was smooth. Standard formats take about 45 minutes. Longer formats such as Sailboat, Timeline, and Six Thinking Hats are worth the time after a big release, a rough sprint, or at the end of a project.
Frequently asked questions
Which formats are included?
Sixteen well-known formats: Start, Stop, Continue; Mad, Sad, Glad; 4Ls; Sailboat; Starfish; KALM; Rose, Thorn, Bud; Hot Air Balloon; Lean Coffee; Timeline; Three Little Pigs; DAKI; Plus / Delta; One-Word Retro; Six Thinking Hats; and Went Well, To Improve, Actions.
How long should a sprint retrospective take?
A common guideline is about 45 minutes for a one-week sprint and up to 90 minutes for a two-week sprint, but many teams do well with less. Use the time filter to match the format to your slot.
Which format is best for a new team?
Start with a simple one such as Went Well, To Improve, Actions or Start, Stop, Continue. Try visual formats like Sailboat once the team is comfortable.
Does it work for remote retros?
Yes. Every format works on a shared digital whiteboard. Rose, Thorn, Bud and One-Word Retro also work out loud on a call with no board at all.