This is the simplest format for talking about your last delivery. The third column, Try, invites the team to test something small next cycle instead of promising big changes.
When to use it
- Short retros, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Teams that prefer small experiments over big plans.
The columns and their questions
Went Well
What went right that we want to repeat?
Could Be Improved
What could have gone better?
Try
What small experiment will we run next cycle?
Step by step (40 minutes)
- Silent writing 8 min
Notes in all three columns, without seeing anyone else's.
- Group and vote 10 min
Group the notes and vote on what to improve.
- Discuss 15 min
For each top-voted item, propose an experiment in the Try column.
- Action items 7 min
Pick one or two experiments and decide how you'll know whether they worked.
Facilitation tips
- Every experiment needs a success criterion and a date to review it at the next retro.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work for non-tech teams?
Yes. The questions are generic and work for any team that delivers work in cycles.