Agile Retrospectives

6.9 Activity: Learning Matrix

Use this to generate insights in an iteration retrospective.

Purpose

Help team members find what’s significant in their data.

Time Needed

Twenty to twenty-five minutes.

Description

Team members look at four perspectives on their data to brainstorm a list of issues quickly.

Steps

1. After discussing the data, show the flip chart (see Figure 17, ​Learning matrix​). Tell the team they can fill out the quarters in any order as thoughts come to them.

2. As team members think of ideas to add to the chart, write them in the corresponding section. Stick to writing the words they use as closely as possible. If you need to shorten a statement, ask the team member to paraphrase, “Could you please say that again using fewer words, so I can get it on the chart?”

   Variation: Give every team member a stack of sticky notes to write their ideas, one per sticky note. Each team member puts his or her notes in the appropriate quarter of the chart. The retrospective leader reads all the notes and sorts them into natural clusters.

3. When the flow of ideas slows down, review the comments on the chart. Ask the group, “Is there anything missing from this list? What haven’t we written down that will be important to going forward?” Lead a brief discussion, and make additions, if needed.

4. Hand out strips of six to ten dots. “Place your dots to vote for the items that you believe have the highest priority to get attention during the next iteration.” (Or you can use ...