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
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?
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