☕️ Java Coding Quest
Welcome to the Java Coding Quest! Let's refactor our processes as smoothly as Java code—share which methods we should invoke, which bugs to squash, and which code to keep running. Level up our teamwork, one clean commit at a time!
Template Columns
🆕 Instantiate New Methods
Suggest fresh practices or tools we should start using to enhance our codebase and workflow.
Base column: Start🚫 Deprecated Patterns
Identify habits or blockers that are no longer useful—let’s ‘deprecate’ them from our process!
Base column: Stop♻️ Reliable Code Blocks
Spot the tried-and-tested approaches we should continue building on, just like trusty utility classes.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Java Coding Quest retrospective uses programming metaphors to help teams refactor their workflow, introducing new practices, removing old ones, and reinforcing what works.
When to use this template
This format works best after a development sprint, release cycle, or major project milestone—especially with engineering teams interested in process improvement.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and introduce the coding quest theme to set an engaging, playful tone for the session.
Review each column together, clarifying what belongs in Instantiate New Methods, Deprecated Patterns, and Reliable Code Blocks.
Give team members a few silent minutes to reflect and add their thoughts to each column, focusing on process and practice improvements.
Invite the team to read and discuss the items in each column, asking clarifying questions, grouping similar ideas, and encouraging everyone to participate.
Facilitate a group prioritization of action items, especially for new practices to try and blockers to address.
Summarize agreed-upon next steps, assign owners where needed, and celebrate the team's progress with a positive closing.
Pro Tips
Adopt playful language throughout to keep energy high and lower barriers for sharing critical feedback.
Balance reflection on both technical and teamwork aspects to avoid focusing narrowly on code.
Encourage junior developers to participate—fresh perspectives are valuable for spotting inefficiencies.
Ask for specific examples or stories behind each item to uncover actionable insights.
Follow up next sprint with quick check-ins on actions from Deprecated Patterns and Instantiate New Methods.
FAQ
What if team members are hesitant to criticize old processes?
Foster a safe space by emphasizing improvement, not blame. Remind the team everyone benefits from cleaner, more efficient workflows.
How do I handle an overly technical discussion that sidelines non-developers?
Guide the conversation back to process impacts and teamwork, ensuring each role can contribute regardless of coding expertise.
Is this template suitable for non-Java or mixed-language teams?
While Java-themed, the principles work for any tech team—just have fun with the code analogies or adapt them as needed.
At a glance
- Duration
40–50 min
- Team Size
4-9 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective