Rose, Bud, Thorn

Rose, Bud, Thorn is a versatile and easily applicable evaluation technique that is used to guide a group to reflect on areas of success, potential growth, and opportunities for improvement. Each participant has an opportunity to share their favorite aspect or most memorable moment from a program (Rose), something that could be further developed (Bud), and a negative element or area that needs to be improved (Thorn).

When to Use: At any point in a project

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Participants: Young Children, Youth, Groups + Facilitator

Supplies: Flexible depending on setting and group. Try these different options.

• Verbal responses - No materials
• Sticky notes - three colors to designate rose, bud, and thorn; wall space
• Index cards - three colors to designate rose, bud, and thorn; collected and sorted
• Worksheet or whiteboard - written responses under each category, markers

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Sample Questions: 

• Rose
  • ​What is something that is working well?
  • What is something positive about the event/ project/ product/ experience?
  • What are you proud of?
  • What was the highlight?
• Bud
  • ​What is an area of opportunity?
  • What is an idea that can be explored further?
  • What can be improved? 
  • What are you looking forward to?
• Thorn 
  • What is something that isn’t working?
  • What is something negative?
  • What caused stress?
  • What was difficult?

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Resources:

• Directions for using Rose, Bud, Thorn Design Thinking Activity from Atomic Object
• Summary explanation of Rose, Bud, Thorn Design Thinking Exercise from Easy Retro
• Four step process geared towards children from Mindful Schools