Luma

Rose, Thorn, Bud

This method helps you evaluate a project, experience, or idea. Roses represent what's working well. Thorns highlight problems or pain points. Buds signify opportunities with potential. It's a fast, visual way to get everyone talking and provides a safe structure for sharing positive and negative feedback.

Duration
30 mins
Group Size
4-20
Category
Luma
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Evaluate experiences simply.

  • Balance positive and negative feedback.

  • Identify opportunities.

  • Gather input from everyone.

  • Visualize feedback.

  • Guide improvements.

Outcomes

Participants will produce:

  • A rose, thorn, and bud analysis of a situation.

  • A balanced view of positives, negatives, and opportunities.

  • A foundation for improvement planning.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Explain the three categories: Roses (positives), Thorns (problems), and Buds (potential).

  2. Distribute sticky notes to each participant.

  3. Use pink notes for roses.

  4. Use red notes for thorns.

  5. Use green notes for buds.

  6. Have participants silently write their observations on the notes.

  7. Share the notes and cluster them by type on a wall or board.

  8. Discuss patterns that emerge from the clusters.

  9. Plan improvements based on the analysis.

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Facilitator Tips


  • Keep the explanation simple and straightforward.

  • Encourage honest and open feedback.

  • Look for recurring patterns and themes in the notes.

  • Focus on the "buds" to identify areas for future growth and improvement. Sometimes participants struggle to identify 'buds' - prompt them with 'what could make this better?'

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Colored sticky notes (pink, red, green)

  • Markers

  • Wall space or whiteboard

  • Rose/Thorn/Bud labels (optional)

  • Space for clustering notes

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Resources & Templates

FigJam: Rose, Thorn, Bud template
LUMA: Rose, Thoe, Bud guide
A technique for identifying things as positive, negative, or having potential
Mural: Rose, Thorn, Bud tempalte
A way to identify things as positive, negative, or promising

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