Rose Bud Thorn
Workshop technique for categorizing into positives (Rose), potentials (Bud), and risks (Thorn).
PURPOSE
Rose Bud Thorn offers a simple and accessible method for reflecting on experiences, situations, or outcomes in a differentiated way. The technique prevents one-sided assessments by making positives, potentials, and problems visible simultaneously. It is particularly suited for team retrospectives, project reviews, or evaluating prototypes and concepts.
HOW TO USE
Participants categorize their observations and assessments into three categories: Rose (what is going well), Bud (what has potential to develop), and Thorn (what is problematic or poses risks). The results are collected on cards or sticky notes and discussed as a team. Concrete development measures are derived from the Buds and countermeasures from the Thorns.
WHAT IT IS
Rose Bud Thorn is a workshop technique for structured categorization of assessments into three areas. The Rose represents positives and successes, the Bud represents potentials and opportunities, and the Thorn represents risks and problems. The method originates from the design thinking environment and is deliberately designed metaphorically to provide a low-barrier entry to reflection.
EXAMPLE
Example: Your development team has just completed a two-month sprint for a new feature. In the retro, you use Rose Bud Thorn so that everyone notes on cards: What went great (Rose), where is there untapped potential (Bud), and what really hurt (Thorn) - such as the lack of test automation.