🔶 What is the template about?
The Apple Crate Retro is a playful and visually themed retrospective template built around the DAKI method: Drop, Add, Keep, Improve. Paired with a light-hearted icebreaker — Apple a Day — this format invites teams to reflect on their work through a warm, approachable lens using apples and orchard imagery. It’s designed to boost engagement and spark meaningful discussion while keeping things fun and fresh.
🔶 What does it help you achieve?
This template helps remote or hybrid teams:
Break the ice with a quick, light-hearted team poll about favorite apple snacks 🍏
Uncover what's working, what needs to stop, and where there's room for innovation or improvement through the DAKI format
Drive participation with a fun, seasonal theme that lowers the barrier to open sharing
Visually organise ideas into clear categories for easier pattern spotting and action planning
🔶 Who would benefit from it the most?
Agile, Scrum, or Kanban teams doing remote retrospectives
Scrum Masters looking for an alternative to dry, repetitive formats
Teams who enjoy metaphor-based thinking and visual collaboration
New or established teams looking to build psychological safety and engagement
🔶 How to use it
Start with the Icebreaker – “Apple a Day” 🍏
Ask: "Which one is your favorite way to get an apple a day?"
Team members vote using dot voting on the snack options
Optional: Invite people to add any missing apple-based snacks they love!
Facilitate the Retro – “Apple Crate” (DAKI)
The board is structured into four clear zones:
🗑️ Drop the Bruised Apples – What’s not working? Let’s remove it.
➕ Add to the Crate – What new ideas or tools should we try?
📦 Keep in the Crate – What’s going well? Let’s protect it.
✨ Polish the Apples – What needs refinement or improvement?
Team members add their thoughts using sticky notes in each section.
Cluster similar ideas, discuss, and identify priorities.
Capture Action Items
Use the green “Actions” space to define what you’ll do next.
Assign owners, dates, or follow-up steps as needed.
