DAKISprint retrospective template
Drop, Add, Keep, Improve — explicit cuts and upgrades in one pass.
Columns in this template
Drop, Add, Keep, Improve — a focused format for identifying what to eliminate, introduce, preserve, and refine.
When to use DAKI
DAKI forces clarity on what must end versus what needs refinement. Drop is stronger than “less of”; it’s for waste, handoffs, or rituals that no longer earn their keep. Improve keeps the bar high on what stays.
Facilitator tips
- Challenge Drop items: if it’s not truly removable, move it to Improve or Less in KALM/Starfish.
- Keep should stay short — only practices with evidence from the sprint.
- Improve cards benefit from owners; use action points so “improve CI” becomes a named task.
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Related templates
KALM
Keep, Add, Less, More - focus on actionable adjustments for improvement.
Starfish
Five-point reflection: stop, less of, keep, more of, and start — for nuanced team feedback.
Start, Stop, Continue
Classic retrospective format to identify new initiatives, things to stop, and successful practices to maintain.