🐭🪤 Mousetrap Mayhem
Step into the wacky world of Mousetrap, where we snap successes, dodge mishaps, and engineer the next clever move for our sprint.
Template Columns
💨 Rattling Breeze
Highlight the swift, positive forces that propelled our sprint forward.
Base column: Wind⚓️ Sticky Traps
Identify the setbacks or blockers that held us back this cycle.
Base column: Anchors🔧 Set the Trap
Define concrete steps to improve and capture future wins.
Base column: ActionsAbout this template
A fun, game‑inspired sprint retrospective that highlights successes, uncovers blockers, and builds actionable plans for the next sprint.
When to use this template
Best for teams that enjoy visual, playful formats and need a quick way to capture wins and pain points after a sprint.
How to facilitate
Explain the Mousetrap Mayhem theme and the three columns to set the stage
Add sticky notes to the Rattling Breeze column for anything that helped the sprint flow
Add sticky notes to the Sticky Traps column for obstacles or blockers encountered
Group similar items, discuss impact and root causes, then prioritize
Move to the Set the Trap column, define concrete actions, assign owners, and set deadlines
Pro Tips
Use colored virtual sticky notes to differentiate wins from blockers for quick visual scanning
Limit each participant to three items per column to keep discussion focused
Turn the Set the Trap actions into a shared Kanban board column for visibility after the retro
FAQ
What if the team runs out of time with many items in each column?
Prioritize by voting with dots or emojis, focusing on the top three items per column before moving to actions.
How do we ensure action items are followed up?
Add each action to your sprint backlog or a dedicated “Retrospective Actions” board, assign a clear owner, and review progress in the next retro.
Can this format work for a small team of three?
While the template shines with 4‑12 members, a smaller team can combine similar items to keep the discussion meaningful.
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At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Wind, Anchors, Actions
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective