open · Retrospective · 5–10 min · 2-20 people · low energy

Retrospective Planning

Retromat provides a structured approach to planning agile retrospectives by offering a variety of activities and allowing facilitators to customize the plan to fit the team's specific needs. It helps ensure retrospectives are engaging and productive by introducing new ideas and formats.

When to use Retrospective Planning

Use this method when you need inspiration for planning a retrospective, especially when you want to try new activities or tailor the retrospective to address specific team challenges.

What it solves

Stale or repetitive retrospectives that lead to disengagement and lack of meaningful outcomes.

How to run Retrospective Planning, step by step

  1. Visit the Retromat website (retromat.org). (2 minutes)
  2. Explore the available activities and filter by category, phase, or keyword. (3 minutes)
  3. Create a plan by selecting activities that align with the team's needs and desired outcomes. (5 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Internet access
  • Projector or screen for sharing
  • Optional: Whiteboard or digital collaboration tool

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage team members to suggest activities they find interesting.
  • Consider the team's current mood and energy levels when selecting activities.

Common pitfalls

  • Spending too much time planning and not enough time executing the retrospective.
  • Selecting activities that are not relevant to the team's current challenges.

Variations

  • Use the random plan generator for a quick start.
  • Involve the team in voting on the activities to include in the plan.

Running it online or hybrid

Share the Retromat URL with the team and allow them to explore the options individually before discussing as a group.

What it produces

A customized retrospective plan with selected activities and a shared URL.

Origin

Created by Corinna Baldauf, co-developed by Timon Fiddike — source

Build a session around Retrospective Planning

METODIC places Retrospective Planning inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Retrospective Planning · Try METODIC free