Round Robin

TL;DR Use a round robin exercise as a quick and efficient way to get rapid feedback on a given idea or solution. Use it with your teammates to gain new perspectives and consider different approaches.

  • The round robin exercise starts with a series of ideas, problems, or solutions that need to be examined or ideated on further
  • Set your timer. Beginning at the top, work your way down through each concept on the list
  • Comment on the given idea's likelihood of success using red sticky notes to indicate that the idea will not work, and green sticky notes to indicate that it will work
  • Flag any potential issues with your team and consider consulting outside experts
  • Review both positive and constructive feedback on your original solution to determine your next step forward with that idea

Jump right into the Miro Template


A round robin is a great way to get different perspectives on a variety of ideas in a quick and efficient manner. The premise of this activity is to get quick feedback on a set of ideas, problems, or solutions by considering both success and failure. This is a great way to take one idea, pass it around the room to get feedback on it from different people. Keep in mind - you'll definitely want to make sure you set a timer for this exercise!

Building Your Round Robin

    Begin at the top and rotate through each topic or idea. Next, you’ll want to comment on that solution’s likelihood of success. You can do this by filling out and open sticky note found on the right. These sticky notes will alternate between green and red in order to consider both success and failure. 

    When leaving feedback, it is important that you respond in accordance with the sticky note you choose. For example, if you choose a red sticky note, you’ll need to leave feedback on why that idea or solution will not work. If you choose a green sticky note, make sure you’re leaving feedback on why that idea or solution will be successful. Unbiased feedback is a great way to consider new perspectives, so be honest with your stance on a given solution. It will only make this round robin exercise more effective!

    Jump right into the Miro Template


    Final Thoughts


    A round robin allows us to look deeply at the pros and cons of a concept or idea. Its a great opportunity to consider ideas separately, running them around the room in a timely and organized process. This exercise allows people to alternate their perspectives, telling you why that's a good idea or why that's a bad idea. This continues until you have a maximum sense of all the possibilities for yes and for no on each idea. Try doing a round robin with your team to gain new and exciting perspectives you may not have considered otherwise.

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    Adam Paulisick

    Founder at SKILLBUILDER & maadlabs.io (fmr @BCG @Nielsen — acquired 3x). Prof @teppercmu, MHCI & exec ed at Gates School of Comp Sci. Founder @TheShopPgh

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