Timeline Retro
Teams plot key events on a timeline spanning the sprint. Above the line are positive moments, below are negative ones. The visual timeline reveals patterns and turning points.
Sections
Create a horizontal timeline with the sprint's start and end dates.
Each person places sticky notes on the timeline: above for positive events, below for negative.
Go through the timeline chronologically. Share stories behind key events.
Look for clusters, turning points, and cause-effect relationships.
What patterns can we break or reinforce? Define 2-3 actions.
Materials Needed
- •Long sheet of paper or whiteboard
- •Sticky notes in 2 colors (positive/negative)
- •Markers
- •Sprint calendar for reference
Facilitator Script
“We're going to walk through the last sprint as a timeline. I've drawn a line from day one to today. Place your sticky notes on the timeline: above the line for positive events and moments, below the line for challenges and frustrations. Include the date or day if you remember. Then we'll walk through it together and look for patterns.”
Pro Tip
Have a sprint calendar or commit log handy to help people remember specific events and dates.
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