One of the most popular of Design Thinking activities is called Rose, Thorn, Bud. Its based off the idea of the Boy Scouts of America who are taught to be methodical, thorough and analytical about each situation they encounter. Scouts are routinely encouraged to identify one positive experience (Rose), one negative experience (Thorn), and one new goal or insight (Bud).
Adapted for use as a design method, this structure provides an opportunity to analyze a project, process or problem and reveals areas for you to focus on and plan your next steps.
A simple way you can run this activity is by:
- Identifying a topic/ project for this exercise
- Gathering a diverse group of stakeholders
- Give each participant a marker and 3 post-it pads
- Explain the topic and color key
- Rose = Things that are positive (Pink)
- Thorn = Things that are negative (Blue)
- Bud = Things that have potential (Green)
- Get each participant to generate as many points as possible
- Only include one issue, idea or insight per post-it.
Source : Luma Institute
designthinkingoutofthebox.com 
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